The 2024 Community Justice Challenge Week Four Recap: Transportation

For the final week of YWCA’s 2024 Community Justice Challenge, our community tackled the importance of transportation equity in a truly equitable society. Together, we explored how access to transportation affects all facets of our lives. We studied the past, including how racial and gender discrimination impact today’s transportation barriers, and how we can work to overcome these present-day barriers. 

Here's how you can support the work of local South Florida organizations working hard to address these issues:

• Walk the Underline and learn how you can get more involved. Since its founding, Friends of The Underline has been committed to transforming the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail—from the Miami River to Dadeland South Station—into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and public art destination.

• Volunteer with Transit Alliance Miami and support their efforts to push pedestrian, cycling and public transportation projects forward in Miami-Dade County.

• Watch our Take Action Instagram Live videos with Transit Alliance Miami and The Underline for insights from local changemakers.  

• Access the Transportation Equity Toolkit from the research and education organization CUTR to learn how communities can work together to create more equitable transportation systems.

Thank you to all who participated this week. We shared important discussions, took action and sparked realizations that will help us all move forward.

Day One: History of Discrimination in Transportation

On the first day of week four, participants explored the past. We learned of the detrimental (and lasting) effects of early U.S. highways on Black communities. We read incredible stories of the brave women who stood against unjust and racist public transportation policies, and we learned of the contributions of slaves in our state’s founding and construction.

History of Discrimination in Transportation Resources:

• How Highways Wrecked American Cities (Video)

• The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Made it Possible (Podcast)

• Apartheid in Miami: Transit Workers Challenge the System (Article)

• How Slave Labor Built the State of Florida - Decades After the Civil War (Article)

Day Two: Thinking Beyond Cars

Cars aren’t the only way to travel from A to B. As e-scooters, bikes and other forms become more publicly available, access to these modes of transportation is subject to the same barriers common to motor vehicles. On this day, our community came together to explore the challenges people face when using or trying to access these forms of transportation. Armed with this knowledge, we can begin to work toward a world where all people can move freely without fear. 

Thinking Beyond Cars Resources:

• Flying Has Become Hell for Passengers with Wheelchairs (Video)

• Systemic Racism Can't Be Fixed Without Tackling It Within Cycling (Article)

• Black, Native, Low-Income People More Likely to Be Killed While Walking: Report (Article)

• Tri-Rail Expands to Connect Thousands of South Florida Passengers to Downtown Miami (Audio)

Day Three: Transportation, Gender and Sexuality

Inequalities of transportation stem beyond race. On day three, we educated ourselves on how women and members of the LGBTQ+ community are affected by these injustices. Topics covered everything from the “Hidden Gender Gap” in transportation to inspiring stories of advocacy by members of this community. This new understanding is the first step in building a transportation system that works for everyone.

Transportation, Gender and Sexuality Resources:

• Mind the Gender Gap: The Hidden Data Gap in Transport (Article)

• Why 'Female' Crash-Test Dummies Could Change Car Safety for Women (Video)

• Relaunching in the Transportation Industry, With Arlene Willis (Podcast)

• On the Intersection of LGBTQ+ Identity and Public Transit Advocacy (Article)

Day Four: Racial Bias and Traffic Enforcement

On Day Four of the YWCA Community Justice Challenge, we explored how the U.S. Supreme Court and the war on drugs have enabled police violence against people of color. We analyzed a study revealing the impact of police officers' first words in traffic stops with Black drivers and reviewed Florida's new laws limiting civilian oversight of police and restricting proximity to first responders. These actions and more equipped South Floridians with the power to create real, lasting change. 

Racial Bias and Traffic Enforcement Resources:

• How the Supreme Court Helped Create ‘Driving While Black’ (Article)

• Study Shows First Words from Police During Traffic Stops Affect Outcome for Black Drivers (Video)

• DeSantis OKs Bills Halting Police Civilian Oversight, Stopping Bystanders from Getting Close (Article)

• “If Everybody’s White, There Can’t Be Any Racial Bias”: The Disappearance of Hispanic Drivers From Traffic Records (Article)

Day Five: Creating Equity

On the final day of our 2024 challenge, we explored the pedestrian dignity movement led by disability activists aiming for inclusive public spaces. We examined the need to address racial disparities in transit systems for better outcomes and the challenges Miami-Dade residents face with fare capping due to technology and banking limitations. On a hopeful note, we looked to the future, reviewing California's new Transit Safety Legislation aimed at reducing harassment and hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Creating Equity Resources:

• Why the Pedestrian Dignity Movement Should Be Your Next Accessibility Cause (Article)

• The Legacy of Racism in Transit: How We Got Here and What to Do About It (Video)

• We Demand a Future Where Everyone Can Benefit from Fare Reduction Programs (Video)

• Stop AAPI Hate Applauds Signing of California Transit Safety Legislation Authored by Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine) (Article)

Keep Up the Conversations in Beyond 21

The challenge may be over, but we won’t stop here! Join us in Beyond 21 – an initiative that keeps us together to have important conversations following our 21-day Community Justice Challenge. 

This year’s movement includes engaging activities and learning opportunities to unite our community, including: 

1. Joining our racial equity book club, All the RaGE. 

2. Tuning into our Take Action Tuesday Instagram Live Series. 

3. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our YWomen Vote resources.  

Want to join our organization in our efforts? You can become part of our Women’s Empowerment Giving Circle to provide critical support for important YWCA programs that directly aid in eliminating racism, empowering women and ensuring peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. 

Thank you for joining us in this year's Community Justice Challenge! Follow us on social media for updates on exciting programs in the coming weeks.