Celebrating Black History Month: Pioneers & Innovators of Transportation

HART is proud to celebrate Black History Month by paying tribute to the cultural trailblazers of the past and present as we explore their contributions to advancing transportation. Leaders such as Bessie Coleman, Garrett A. Morgan, Katherine Johnson, Elbert R. Robinson, Gladys West, among others, continue to inspire hope and encourage audiences through their accomplishments in areas including aviation, inventions, railway systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) and mathematics.

Throughout February, Hillsborough County students will have the opportunity to engage in stimulating conversations with HART staff regarding these cultural pioneers and their continuing legacies.

"African American contributions to society are all around us and positively impact our lives daily. Having a recognized time to celebrate accomplishments, perseverance, innovation, and tradition is an opportunity to appreciate, teach and expose others to the rich history of African Americans in the transportation industry," said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. "Continuing the conversation of Black legacies and achievements is an honor that HART takes pride in every day."

Garrett A. Morgan invented the first US traffic signal

In support of Black History Month, HART is gearing up for what it hopes will be both an informative and unforgettable HART Black History tour for students at several area schools. For the first time, HART has a fully wrapped uniquely designed bus featuring photos and exciting facts about African American transportation pioneers. HART plans to stage the bus outside of the schools, and the children will have the opportunity to tour the inside, while learning about these innovators impact on transportation. HART team members will be on hand leading the educational trivia contests and providing giveaways.     

The HART Black History tours will take place at the following schools:

• Progress Village Middle Magnet School
• Ferrell Girls Preparatory
• Lomax Elementary Magnet School
• Booker T. Washington Elementary 
• Paul Mort Elementary
• Stewart Middle Magnet

HART routes serve several local African American historical sites

Take HART to Black History

Want to tour local African American historical sites? Hop on HART! Click here for several local historical sites and how to get there on HART.

HART is honored to be able to celebrate the lives of all those who paved the way in transportation during this month's activities in recognition of Black History Month.