A Taxi for Everyone

This compelling biography tells the story of Roy Velásquez and how he built a community fighting against segregation and discrimination in Austin, Texas, by starting a thriving taxi company for those not being served by the city's institutions.

Roy Velásquez was the son of Mexican immigrants, living in Austin, Texas, at the height of segregation. Roy knew
the hardships faced by people of color because of the insurmountable policies put into place. What was anyone to do? Even just simple acts can go a long way. But Roy went further than that. . . .

In segregated Austin, people of color weren't allowed in taxis, and the streetcar ended far from their homes. So Roy borrowed five dollars from a friend, purchased a taxi permit and a tank of gas, and drove people of color wherever they needed to go.

Before long, one lone taxi became a fleet. For over seventy-five years, Roy's Taxi Service helped to fight segregation and poll taxes, and grow Austin into a community for everyone. Roy's story is a reminder that we can all affect change and that inclusion is our strength.