The Safe Bus Company: A Legacy of Black Entrepreneurship in Winston-Salem

Photo: Mrs. Mary Miller Burns Green, the first woman to serve as the president of the Safe Bus Company. Her father and uncle, Elijah and Joseph Miller (respectively), were 2 out of the 13 original owners of Safe Bus Company.

In 1926, amidst the pervasive segregation of the American South, a group of African American entrepreneurs in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, came together to form the Safe Bus Company—a pioneering endeavor that would become the largest Black-owned transportation company in the nation.

Origins in Segregation

Prior to the establishment of Safe Bus, the predominantly Black neighborhoods of East Winston lacked access to public transportation. The city's trolley services, operated by Southern Public Utilities Company, did not extend into these areas, leaving residents reliant on a fragmented network of approximately 35 independent jitney operators. These jitneys, while providing essential services, were often uncoordinated and sometimes unsafe.

On April 24, 1926, Clarence T. Woodland brought together 21 jitney operators to establish a transportation service aimed at serving the African-American community, focusing on areas of the city that lacked adequate public transit options. Recognizing the need for a more reliable and organized transportation system, 13 African American businessmen pooled their resources, each contributing their life savings to purchase shares totaling $100,000. On May 26, 1926, they officially chartered the Safe Bus Company, named to reflect their commitment to providing safe and dependable service to their community .

Growth and Community Impact

Photo: the thirteen original owners of Safe Bus, a pioneering group of Black Entrepreneurs out of North Carolina who started a mass transportation company in Winston-Salem.

Under the leadership of its first president, Harvey F. Morgan, Safe Bus rapidly expanded. By 1935, the company was transporting 8,000 passengers daily and employed 75 individuals, with an annual payroll of $65,000. The company's success was a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of its founders and the community they served .

Safe Bus not only provided essential transportation but also became a symbol of Black economic empowerment. It offered stable employment opportunities for Black residents, including positions as drivers, conductors, and administrative staff. The company's operations were a source of pride, demonstrating the capacity of African Americans to manage and sustain significant enterprises.

Challenges and Transition

The 1960s brought significant social changes, including the Civil Rights Movement and the desegregation of public facilities. In 1968, Safe Bus began offering services to all city residents, marking a significant shift from its original mission of serving the Black community exclusively. This expansion led to increased competition and a decline in ridership, as many white passengers preferred to use the newly integrated services .

Despite these challenges, Safe Bus continued to operate until 1972, when the Winston-Salem Transit Authority purchased its assets. This transition marked the end of an era for the company but ensured that its legacy lived on within the city's public transportation system .

Legacy

The Safe Bus Company's story is a powerful example of Black entrepreneurship and community resilience. It stands as a testament to the ability of African Americans to create and sustain enterprises that not only served their immediate needs but also contributed to the broader social and economic fabric of their communities.

Today, the legacy of Safe Bus is preserved through historical accounts and exhibits, reminding us of the importance of community-driven initiatives in shaping the history and progress of American society.