Key Figures
Who was Jo Ann Robinson?
She was a civil rights activist who organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
In what year did the Montgomery Bus Boycott begin?
1955.
What threats did Jo Ann Robinson face?
She received death threats, and her house was vandalized.
What was the legal result of the boycott?
The Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional.
Who said, "The cause of justice is never the work of one person alone"?
Jo Ann Robinson.
What famous civil rights leader worked alongside Robinson during the boycott?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
How did Jo Ann Robinson spread the word about the boycott?
She and the WPC printed and distributed 50,000 flyers overnight.
Why was the boycott dangerous for participants?
Protesters faced job losses, violence, and arrests.
What civil rights strategy did the boycott demonstrate?
Nonviolent resistance.
What did the boycott prove about collective action?
It showed that unity and nonviolence could bring real change.
What organization did Jo Ann Robinson lead to help plan the boycott?
The Women's Political Council (WPC).
How long did the boycott last?
381 days.
How did Black citizens continue transportation without buses?
Carpools, walking, and private taxis.
How did the success of the boycott influence future protests?
It inspired sit-ins, marches, and other civil rights actions.
Why did Jo Ann Robinson work behind the scenes instead of becoming famous?
She wanted to ensure the movement succeeded without drawing attention to herself.
What was Rosa Parks' role in the boycott?
Her arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat sparked the protest.
What organization helped coordinate carpools for Black citizens?
The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA).
What law enforcement action was taken against the protestors?
Some leaders were arrested, and protesters were harassed.
What organization grew stronger after the boycott?
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
What was Dr. King’s main message during the boycott?
He promoted peaceful protest and unity among Black citizens.
Who was the legal team that fought the bus segregation case?
The NAACP, led by Thurgood Marshall and other lawyers.
What court decision officially ended bus segregation?
The Supreme Court ruling in 1956 that segregation on buses was unconstitutional.
What economic impact did the boycott have on bus companies?
The bus companies lost significant revenue due to lack of riders.
How did Jo Ann Robinson’s activism continue after the boycott?
She remained involved in civil rights and education advocacy.
What is the lasting lesson of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
Grassroots activism and determination can dismantle unjust systems.