06/19/2026
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, reflect on our nation's history, and honor the resilience and achievements of African Americans. ORT is proud to recognize the people whose contributions have strengthened our communities and helped move our nation forward. Today we recognize and honor African Americans in transit- leaders, innovators, organizers, and everyday people whose courage, creativity, and determination helped pave the way for greater equality and progress in transportation and beyond.
From early pioneers who challenged injustice to modern leaders shaping today’s public transit systems, their contributions helped open doors, break barriers, and advance innovation in mobility, safety, and public service.
Fun fact: many of these individuals are also known for accomplishments beyond transit. Garrett Morgan invented a safety hood (an early gas mask) that saved lives during emergencies. Martin Luther King Jr. became one of the most influential voices in American history and was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at the time. Bayard Rustin was a key architect of the 1963 March on Washington and a lifelong advocate for nonviolence and human rights. Rosa Parks worked for years with the NAACP as an advocate and secretary, while Jo Ann Robinson was a professor and community organizer who helped mobilize grassroots action during the Civil Rights Movement. E. D. Nixon was also a labor organizer who also fought for workers’ rights. Elizabeth Jennings Graham went on to dedicate her life to teaching and music education. Irene Morgan worked in the aviation industry during World War II. Claudette Colvin later worked as a nurse’s aide supporting her family.
Their stories remind us that progress is built through many paths- innovation, leadership, resistance, and everyday persistence.
This Juneteenth, we honor their legacies and the lasting impact they continue to have on our communities and the systems that connect us.
