My Father lived in Montgomery, Alabama in the late 1940's until the early 1950's. While traveling home on a Montgomery City bus (of Rosa Parks Fame) one evening, he found himself as the only passenger. He took one of the racial divider boards and whisked it under his overcoat. He did this at great possible peril in that he was a native of Cleveland, Ohio therefore a "Yankee" living in the south. I am sure if he was discovered there would have been dangerous retribution as a white nan defying Jim Crowe laws through his actions.
These divider boards sat between two prongs atop the bus's seats and the board would be moved forward or backward as the buses current demographic demanded.
We are curious as to its value and historic significance since the Montgomery City Busline has such a pivitol role in the American Civil Rights Movement. My Fathers handwritten testament to the event is included since he is deceased since 1996.
I have offered this item to the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum on several occasions since I am a lifelong Birminghamian, but they never responded. I am certain it is of value as Jim Crowe memorabilia.
Richard Knight
