HART Celebrates Black History Month!

UPDATE: The submission deadline has been extended until March 7, 2021!

HART’s annual Black History Month campaign is an outreach effort targeted to local schools every February to educate students about African Americans who have changed history. 

The theme for 2021 is the representation, identity, and diversity of “The Black Family.” An educational video produced by HART will cover topics about The Black Family, including heads of the family, types of family relationships, and various family backgrounds. 

Black History Month bus

The presentation also introduces public transportation to youth at an early age with a virtual tour around and inside a specially-wrapped bus. 

Youth are invited to enter HART’s Black History Month Contest with their own video, essay, or drawing to apply what they learned from the video.

Student can use this form to submit their entry. All entries must be received by Sunday, February 28, 2021, and will be entered into a raffle to win a HART 31-day pass. Four winners will be chosen.

The option is available for teachers to have HART staff present the video live to their virtual classrooms to allow for interaction.

All submissions may pick up a special Black History Month commemorative giveaway with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion St.) or University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th St.) during window hours as a 'thank you' for entering our contest and encouraging civic involvement. 

Customers and the general public will see HART's Black History Month celebration shared through multi-media elements including bus stop shelter ads, on-board the bus, goHART.org and HART's social media channels.

HART Celebrates 'Rosa Parks Day'

Rosa Parks

It all started on a bus in 1955, after Rosa Parks decided to take a stand by taking a seat. 

Ms. Parks' brave actions on December 1, 1955, led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott that culminated one year later with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing access and ending segregation on public transportation.

Rosa Parks' seat designation

In honor of Ms. Parks' courageous act and dedication to Civil Rights, HART designates a seat on every bus throughout Black History Month in February.

"Ms. Parks' actions created opportunities for millions of transit users locally and throughout the country who rely on public transportation to get to work, to school and to create the lives they want to live," Ruthie Reyes Burckard, HART Interim Chief Executive Officer said. "Her decision to keep her seat reminds all of us of the importance of standing for equality."

It all started on a bus, and HART celebrates Ms. Rosa Parks and the role transit played in advancing Civil Rights and equality.

Take HART to Black History!

From Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, to the "Freedom Rides" throughout the South, public transportation has played a historic role in African American history.

Public transportation also happens to be a great way to visit local African American historic sites in Tampa.

Hop on, as HART Takes You to Black History!

People gather at La Union Mari-Maceo in 1944

Sociedad La Union Mari-Maceo

Just across the street from the HART Administrative Building in Ybor City, is a building which represents the melting pot that is Ybor - Sociedad La Union Marti-Maceo building. The Cuban club was founded by Afro-Cubans in 1900, and served both white and Afro-Cubans excluded from other Cuban and Spanish clubs, until the club was forced to segregate due to local laws. The facility became more than a social club housing events, morphing into a mutual aid society, with self-help activities and a school.

Sociedad La Union Mari-Maceo is located at 1226 East 7th Avenue in Ybor City and is accessible by Route(s) 8,9,12 and the TECO Line Streetcar System.

Central Park

The LIFETILES installation at Perry Harvey Sr. Parl

One of the most culturally and historically rich neighborhoods in Tampa, the area once housed the likes of Ray Charles (he wrote "I found my baby there," in Central Park area,) Jackie Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and more! The neighborhood was a vibrant African American business and entertainment district with restaurants and clubs such as the Cotton Club, Apollo Theatre, etc.

"Gateway" Sculptures

The district would later fall into disrepair, due to racial unrest and disruption. However, the Central Park district is now home to Encore! Apartments. Encore! has paid homage to the heritage of the district with a number of public art installations throughout the complex, as well as, at near by Perry Harvey Sr. Park.

The Central Park District and Perry Harvey Sr. Park are located at 900 E Scott St, Tampa, FL 33602, and are accessible via Route(s) 9,12 and MetroRapid. Marion Transit Center is also just a block away.

Black History & Art Museum

Located inside the Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, the Black History & Art Museum is home to hundreds of historical photos, documents, and artifacts.

The museum is located near Perry Harvey Sr. Park, at 1112 East Scott Street. The site is accessible via Route(s) 9,12, and MetroRapid.

Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library

A new Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Library opened in 2014!

Named in honor of Robert W. Saunders, Sr. a civil rights activist and former Field Secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The library is one of just two African-American research libraries in the state of Florida. The library is hosting a number of Black History Month events, such as an "Introduction to African American Genealogy" and a Black Heritage Celebration. A bronze bust of Saunders is featured in the lobby.

The Saunders Library is located 1505 N. Nebraska Ave. and can be reached by Route(s) 9,12, and MetroRapid.

Ft. Homer Hesterly Armory/ the Bryan Glazer Family JCC

Dr. King Jr. speaking at the Ft. Homer Armory

The Bryan Glazer Family JCC was formerly known as the Ft. Homer Hesterly Armory. The building has seen historic figures from Teddy Roosevelt, to JFK grace the hall. On November 19, 1961, a crowd of 4,200 waited out a bomb threat to see Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak in the hall.

"We are standing on the border of the promised land of integration," Dr. King promised, undeterred by the early bomb threat.

The facility recently underwent substantial renovations, which include a Visual Arts Center, an event center, a food bank, and more.

The Bryan Glazer Family JCC is accessible via Route(s) 14 and 30.

Tampa is full of African American history. Explore it on HART!

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.

HART Employees Reflect on Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, Black History Month is celebrated each year to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans, both past and present. HART celebrates Black History Month by supporting its employees, local nonprofit organizations, and members of the community that contribute to the rich heritage of African Americans throughout its service area.

Ronald Watkins - Bus Operator

In observance, we sat down with some employees to reflect on what the month means to them and how they are living their dream.

"I live my dream each day by being a HART Bus Operator," said Watkins. "I love working with people and I enjoy what I do. Growing up in Tampa, as a child I didn't see any Black bus drivers back then. It's significant now that you see more African Americans in the driver's seat. I just feel like that's a part of history in itself, I take every opportunity that comes my way as a chance to represent the dreams of my forefathers."

Ronald Watkins, Bus Operator - 29 years with HART

"I live my dream through the opportunities and experiences that I have been fortunate to have at HART," said Dallas. "When I first started there was not many African Americans in management or supervision. Now we have grown tremendously including myself having gone from floor technician to a supervisor. You have to take advantage of the many growth opportunities at HART."

Lyndon Dallas, Maintenance Supervisor II - 33 years with HART

Jerry Allen - Master Mechanic

"When I first started here there was not that many African American mechanics, supervisors and managers. HART has come a long way." -

Jerry Allen, Master Mechanic - 30 years with HART

HART places great value on diversity, inclusion, and a positive work environment, which are important factors in maintaining a vibrant workforce that produces innovative, customer-focused transit solutions.

HART has been fortunate to have generations of families be part of our team!

One such case is Valencia and Maurice Joyce.

As a 19-year Bus Operator veteran, Valencia Joyce notes her son Maurice saw HART as an opportunity to help others and make a difference in someone's life. The mother-son duo love working with people and are grateful for the many opportunities afforded at HART.

"He loves the fact that he works with people and he really also loves the fact that we have the Paratransit division."

Valencia Joyce, Bus Operator - 19 years with HART

Maurice Joyce - Van Operator

"Being part of the HART has helped me to be like a mentor and giving out advice," said Joyce. "Just being that person that listens to people and helps them feel better. These are the things that make my job a blessing."

Maurice Joyce, Van Operator - 9 years with HART  

The workforce is what makes HART STRONG. UNITED. DIVERSE.

HART Celebrates Black History!

HART celebrates Black History Month!

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are frequently reminded of the important role that transportation plays in supporting and sustaining communities of color in today's complex landscape.

HART has several activities planned throughout February to celebrate the African American community!

Starting this week, all HART fixed route buses will have a seat designated for Rosa Parks, a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement. Parks, the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," will be honored by HART in this fitting tribute by designating a seat on every HART bus. Each of these special seat covers will have a commemorative sign displayed on them, honoring both Parks' legacy and her dedication to the Civil Rights Movement.

HART is designating a seat for Rosa Parks throughout Feb.

More than 170 HART buses will have a seat designated for Rosa Parks. A sign will remind all passengers of Parks' decision to take a stand simply by taking a seat. Parks' non-violent action on December 1, 1955 led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott that culminated one year later with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing access to public transportation.

Public transportation also happens to be a great way to visit local African American historic sites in Tampa.

Throughout February, we're highlighting historical sites on our social media channels and how you can Take HART to Black History!

HART is also partnering with local schools to host field trips to these local sites on one of our buses. Local community leader Clarence Fort will provide insight into the Civil Rights Movement, as Tampa experienced it.

Clarence Fort, former President of the NAACP Youth Council, led the first Tampa sit-ins in 1956 and fought for the first African American Tampa bus operators.

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