Chapter 5, The Montgomery Bus Boycott, Summary and Analysis

Without the use of the city buses, many of Montgomery's Negroes were left with long, impossible walks to and from work. The city's taxi cabs lowered their fare at first to help out; but the police commissioner made it known that he would arrest any taxi drivers who took less than the minimum, putting a quick end to the 'taxicab army'. King contacted an old friend, who had run a similar boycott in Baton Rouge, and was advised to start an organized car pool. This would require volunteers to offer their cars and time as drivers. Despite the perceived limitations of these requirements, more than a hundred and fifty cars were donated at a second mass meeting.

A week after the boycott began, a meeting took place between the city commissioners, King, and...