Ralph Collins (right), shown here with his wife, created the Friendly Cab Company when he recognized that residents of their Green Valley community needed reliable transportation to the hospital. (Source: Collins family photo)

Ralph Collins (right), shown here with his wife, created the Friendly Cab Company when he recognized that residents of their Green Valley community needed reliable transportation to the hospital. (Source: Collins family photo)

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Meeting the Community's Needs: Arlington's Friendly Cab Company

Virginia
 by
Phillip Jackson

In the 1940s, Jim Crow held strong in Arlington, Virginia. African-Americans encountered discrimination at segregated eating establishments, businesses and recreation facilities. Even access to medical care was divided along racial lines.

In 1947, three men with bright ideas founded the Friendly Cab Company to transport black Arlingtonians to hospitals in Washington, D.C.

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Last Updated: January 6, 2022