New Orleans RTA enters bus into service celebrating city’s Freedom Riders

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has entered its newest public art bus into revenue service in celebration of Juneteenth.

The bus features the artwork, “Tribute to the Freedom Riders,” and depicts New Orleans Civil Rights icons and Freedom Riders, Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons, and Jerome “Big Duck” Smith. The latest public art installation bus entered service June 18 servicing various areas of the city.

This mobile public art is a collaboration of Brandon “B.Mike” Odums and Black Imagination Project as well as local New Orleans artists Ceaux Young, Taylor Ashby, Cierra Johnson and Cam'ron Irving. In addition to the public art bus, two other art installations, "Treme with Love" and “Freedom Drum” will be unveiled to expand and foster connections between the city’s history and initiate dialogue surrounding the future.

“Our community has a great understanding and value for those who have come before us and paved the way for our future,” said Flozell Daniels, Jr., RTA Board chair. “The newest public art bus acknowledges, appreciates, and displays a profound respect for those pioneers who faced insurmountable odds, all in the name of justice and freedom for all. I am particularly pleased to honor Jerome “Big Duck” Smith in a manner relevant to youth, who will be introduced to his critical role in New Orleans and American history.”

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides which brought civil right activists to the south as they protested segregated bus terminals. The riders were faced with overwhelming opposition but played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement drawing attention to the unjust conditions of the Jim Crow south.

“Creating a truly equitable transit system is key priority of the RTA,” said Alex Z. Wiggins, RTA CEO. “By honoring our heroes who tirelessly fought for the freedoms we enjoy today, we are also inspired to continue their work to ensure that all New Orleans have access to transit that is reliable, convenient and equitable.”

This art project is the second piece of art resulting from the RTA’s public arts partnership with Brandan “BMike” Odums and Ashe Cultural Arts Center. The first project featured young New Orleans artist Dontay Allen.