Million Man March
Coordinating a National Mobilization for the Million Man March
The Company
The Million Man March, held on October 16, 1995, in Washington, D.C., was a historic gathering of African-American men organized by the Nation of Islam and civil rights leaders. The event promoted unity, family values, self-discipline, and community responsibility, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants. It remains a pivotal moment in American civil rights history and continues to influence social and political movements across the country.
Project Scope
As Operational Manager for Greyhound Lines during the Million Man March, Richard Bush played a pivotal role in coordinating the transportation logistics for one of the largest and most complex mobilizations in the company's history. The project required managing transportation operations across Greyhound's nationwide network, ensuring timely and safe movement of thousands of participants to Washington, D.C. This involved overseeing scheduling, dispatch, and fleet management for over 100 departure points, from major cities including Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles. Richard also worked closely with grassroots organizers, community leaders, and local civic groups to secure chartered buses and coordinate the flow of passengers, all while ensuring minimal disruption to Greyhound's routine service. The operation demanded meticulous planning to address the unique logistical challenges of a single-day, high-volume event, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and cultural sensitivity.
Solutions & Deliverables
- Large-Scale Mobilization Strategy: A national deployment plan was developed to ensure timely arrivals from major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles. Special routing and staging strategies were implemented to mitigate traffic congestion in Washington, D.C., ensuring efficient coach arrivals
- Real-Time Operational Oversight: A 24-hour command operation was established to monitor fleet movements and address delays. This system allowed for continuous communication between dispatch centers, terminals, and onboard personnel, providing timely updates to all stakeholders
- Charter & Group Coordination: Hundreds of chartered buses were scheduled in collaboration with community organizations. A streamlined manifest system was implemented to track group movements, ensuring all participants were accounted for and transported on time
- Safety, Staffing & Compliance: Driver assignments and rest schedules were managed to comply with DOT regulations. Staff training emphasized cultural awareness and safety protocols, ensuring a professional, efficient, and respectful handling of large groups
- Community Impact & Legacy: The Million Man March was made accessible to thousands of individuals who otherwise could not attend. This solidified Greyhound's reputation as a reliable transportation partner for civic and social events, further cementing the company's legacy in supporting impactful community initiatives
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