News

TARC Saves a Seat, celebrates Black History Month with public talk and business showcase

Louisville, KY (February 10, 2026) – This Black History Month, TARC will once again participate in the national public-transit tradition of saving a seat on every bus in memory of Rosa Parks. For the weeks of February 9 and 16, a sign will be placed in the front seat of each bus commemorating Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger.  

TARC is also celebrating the history of public transit and civil rights with two events at Union Station (1000 W Broadway), both open to the public: 

On Thursday, February 12, TARC will hold an on-site Black History Month talk beginning at noon. Dr. Deonte Hollowell (Program Director of African American Studies at Spalding University), TARC3 rider Elmer Lucille Allen (the first Black Chemist at Brown Forman), and Judge Josephine Buckner will participate in a conversation on Black history, and what Black History Month means to each of them.

On Thursday, February 19, TARC will host a Black-Owned Business Showcase. Over a dozen vendors will be in attendance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the public to visit, learn about, and purchase items for sale; a food truck will also be on site. 

“Public transit, and the civil rights movement share an important history,” said TARC Executive Director Ozzy Gibson. “I’m proud TARC plays a part in celebrating that legacy, supporting our local civil rights icons, and the legacy of Rosa Parks.”

In addition, TARC invites everyone to learn more about Henrietta Helm, one of the first Black students to attend public school in Louisville. TARC’s 2026 Design-a-Bus partner, the Portland Museum, raises funds to honor Helm’s legacy by endowing an annual scholarship to help train future Black educators through the University of Louisville and the Louisville Teacher Residency Program (LTR). You can learn more about that program here: https://cfl.iphiview.com/cfl/DonorsFundholders/AccountInformation/tabid/495/dispatch/accountselection_id$349542_hash$916da7ddac83dcc7beb927c0f9f2d496baa4f92c/Default.aspx

Throughout the month of February, TARC social media will highlight local and national Black leaders who have made a positive impact on public transportation.