Women's Political Council and Bus Segregation

Joanne Robinson experienced a humiliating incident on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1949. This event motivated her to join the Women's Political Council (WPC) and fight against bus segregation. Despite facing systemic discrimination, Robinson and the WPC worked to challenge segregation laws. The Supreme Court's 1954 ruling on school segregation inspired further action, leading to discussions of a bus boycott to protest racial discrimination.

What event led Joanne Robinson to feel humiliated on the Montgomery bus?

• She lost her luggage at the airport.

• She missed her flight to Cleveland.

• She was forced to leave her seat by the bus driver.

• She was asked to pay extra fare.

What did Joanne Robinson decide to do after her experience on the bus?

• Move to another city.

• Challenge the city's segregated bus seating.

• File a lawsuit against the bus company.

• Write a book about her experience.

How were the bus seats divided in Montgomery?

• Based on the time of day.

• Equally between black and white passengers.

• First 10 seats for whites, remaining for blacks.

• First come, first served basis.

What was Joanne Robinson's role at Alabama State?

• A student.

• A professor of English.

• A bus driver.

• A member of the city council.

What was the primary goal of the Women's Political Council?

• To organize social events.

• To support local businesses.

• To improve public transportation for all.

• To address injustices faced by the black community.

What did the Women's Political Council demand from the bus company?

• More buses on the routes.

• Integration of all public facilities.

• Better seating arrangements and courteous drivers.

• Free rides for black passengers.

What was the reaction of the city officials to the demands of the Women's Political Council?

• They ignored the demands completely.

• They threatened to arrest the council members.

• They made a few small concessions.

• They immediately agreed to all demands.

What significant event in 1954 inspired further action against segregation?

• The election of a new mayor.

• The Supreme Court ruling on public school segregation.

• A new law passed by the state.

• A major protest in another city.

What was the potential consequence for black individuals who participated in protests?

• They would be given free bus passes.

• They could receive a reward.

• They might be promoted at work.

• They could face violence and job loss.

What was the Women's Political Council's strategy to address the bus segregation issue?

• Negotiate with the bus drivers directly.

• Start a petition for better bus services.

• File a lawsuit against the bus company.

• Organize a city-wide boycott.