In 1973, four Black men—William Reed, Johnnie B. Moore, Nathaniel Davis, and James E. Wright—founded Safe Bus Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the time, the city’s public transportation system was segregated, and Black-owned businesses were few and far between.
The Safe Bus Company was more than just a bus company; it was a symbol of Black resilience, self-determination, and ownership in the face of limited opportunities. Over the years, the company grew to become one of the largest Black-owned businesses in Indianapolis, with over 100 employees and a fleet of over 40 vehicles.
It wasn’t just about providing transportation services; it was about creating jobs, building wealth, and empowering a community.
Today, Safe Bus Company is no longer in operation, having been sold to First Transit in 2009. But its legacy lives on, serving as a testament to the power of Black resilience and self-determination in the face of limited opportunities.
It’s a reminder that when seats aren’t offered, we must build our own tables—a lesson that Safe Bus Company embodied in every aspect of its operation.
So why does this matter? Because it’s rare to see a Black-owned business of this scale and success. And because it’s important for us to celebrate and support under-represented narratives, especially those of Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative around Black ownership and resilience, to shift away from stories of struggle and hardship alone and towards stories of triumph, success, and self-determination.
