What Parks Started

Thumbnail histories of the civil rights movement often start with the memorable stand taken by Rosa Parks, the now-celebrated civil rights pioneer and hip-hop muse who famously refused to vacate her bus seat. Lost in any brief summary, however, is the remarkable tale of the following 13 months, when thousands of Montgomery citizens refused to ride a city bus, turning instead to carpools, the mobility of their own feet and even the occasional pack mule. Discover the heroism of the citizens who faced police brutality and mob violence as they brought a public transportation service to its axles. A free exhibit called 381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story opens today in the Changing Gallery of the American Jazz Museum (1616 East 18th Street, 816-474-8463). The Smithsonian-sponsored event features original photographs, text and stories from the boycott; it runs through October 12. For more information, see american jazzmuseum.com.
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 12-6 p.m. Starts: Aug. 1. Continues through Oct. 12, 2008