Herbert Young was 25 in the spring of 1961 when he drove a bus through angry white mobs in Montgomery for the Freedom Riders, who rode throughout the South to protest segregation on interstate buses and bus terminals.
Young, who died Jan 2, is remembered as a fun-loving man who knew a little something about everything. Although young was a mover and shaker in Montgomery during the civil rights movement, he did not brag about his accepted past.
“I was sitting by a Black history icon and had no idea,” said Cubie Hayes, who in today’s world works tirelessly to make Montgomery a better place. She later added, “Montgomery lost a great icon and trailblazer — Black trailblazer.”
Besides his work with the Freedom Riders, Young helped integrate the Montgomery Area Transit System. He was chosen to train all incoming bus drivers, regardless of race, according to his obituary.
Young later attended the police academy at Northwestern University. After graduation, he served in the Montgomery Police Department for five years. He was then appointed to be the first Black deputy marshal.
Young owned a variety of businesses throughout his life, including a beauty salon, car lot, car wash, bus transportation services and a limousine service. He ran the limousine service for more than 30 years, according to his obituary.
He also worked off and on at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home from the time he was 13 until his death, said Joe Kendrick, who worked with him at the business.
“He will be missed by Ross-Clayton and throughout the community,” Kendrick said.
Young was a busy man, but he was sure to make time for his church.
“The one thing he treasured was the love for his church,” Hayes said.
Young served as a trustee and helped manage the money and property of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, said Zach Buchner with the church.
“He knew a lot of people and a lot of things, especially in Montgomery, and he helped a lot of people,” Buchner said.
Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser’s public safety reporter. You can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or 479-926-9570.