Today, the two courageous women who ignited the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott will be honored with a historical marker and memorial boulevard.52 years ago, FAMU students Wilhelmina Jakes and Carrie Patterson were arrested for violating the segregated seating policy on a local bus.
When the news reached campus, Student Government Association President Brodes Hartley rallied students into a boycott against the public transit company. Soon, the broader black community organized the Inter-Civic Council to lead protest, with Bethel Missionary Baptist Pastor C.K. Steele serving as president.
At 10 a.m., FAMU will unveil a historical state marker in honor of Jakes and Patterson in front of the H. Manning Efferson Student Union. Afterward, the community is invited to march down to West Jennings Street for the renaming ceremony.
Since Jakes and Patterson lived on Jennings Street as students, it will be renamed Jakes & Patterson Street in their memory.
“The recognition for these trailblazing civil rights activists is appropriate and long overdue,” said FAMU President James Ammons. “The marker and the street will stand as a permanent testament to the sacrifice, diligence and contributions of these two women. They will also acknowledge the hundreds of other FAMU students, Rev. C.K. Steele, members of the Inter-Civic Council and other members of the local, state, and national community who were unwavering in their valiant stance against social injustices.”
After graduating from FAMU, both Jakes and Patterson went on to enjoy productive careers as Florida schoolteachers.
During FAMU’s 2006 Spring Commencement activities, Jakes and Patterson (posthumously) received the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award and its first Freedom Award.
That's so very, very wonderful. I'm from Tallahassee and have heard of these two brave women all my life. I'm proud that the University has re-named a street in their honor. It is, of course, long overdue. But I reckon better late is better than never.
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