Rosa Parks (born February 4, 1913, Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S.—died October 24, 2005, Detroit, Michigan) was an American civil rights activist whose refusal to relinquish her seat on a public bus precipitated the 1955–56 Montgomery bus boycott in Alabama, which became the spark that ignited the civil rights movement in the United States. April 14, 2005: Parks and the hip-hop group Outkast reach an out-of-court settlement regarding their 1998 song "Rosa Parks." October 24, 2005: Parks dies at the age of 92 In 1992, Parks published Rosa Parks: My Story, an autobiography recounting her life in the segregated South. In 1995, she published Quiet Strength , which focuses on the role that religious faith When Rosa passed away on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92, people around the world mourned her loss. Her body lay in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, an honor reserved for only a few great Americans. Why Rosa Parks Matters. Rosa Parks’ story is a reminder that courage doesn’t always come with loud speeches or grand gestures. Rosa Parks (1913—2005) helped initiate the civil rights movement in the United States when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. Her actions Rosa Parks was born Rosa Louise McCauley in Tuskegee, Alabama, on February 4, 1913, to Leona (née Edwards), a teacher, and James McCauley, a carpenter.In addition to African ancestry, one of Parks's great-grandfathers was Scots-Irish, and one of her great-grandmothers was a part–Native American slave. rosa louise parks biography Rosa Louise Parks was nationally recognized as the “mother of the modern day civil rights movement” in America. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white male passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, December 1, 1955, triggered a wave of protest December 5, 1955 that reverberated throughout the United States. Unfortunately, Parks was forced to withdraw after her grandmother became ill. Growing up in the segregated South, Parks was frequently confronted with racial discrimination and violence. She became active in the Civil Rights Movement at a young age. Parks married a local barber by the name of Raymond Parks when she was 19. Rosa Parks, the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" was one of the most important citizens of the 20th century. Mrs. Parks was a seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama when, in December of 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white passenger. The bus driver had her arrested. She was tried and convicted of violating a local ordinance. Her act sparked a citywide boycott of the Rosa Parks’ early life Born Rosa Louise McCauley in Tuskegee, Alabama on February 4, 1913, to a carpenter father and teacher mother, Rosa was largely raised by her maternal grandparents on their Rosa Parks Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in civil rights and to recommit to the ongoing work of combating discrimination and promoting equality. 10. Legacy of inspiring activism. Rosa Parks’ activism and courage continue to resonate and inspire people around the world. Early Life of Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks’ early years played a big part in shaping her into a strong civil rights leader. She was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama, a place where black people were treated unfairly. This unfair treatment made her want to fight for justice even as a young girl. From her early years to her impact on society, we will examine the none context of her story and how it continues to inspire and educate us today. So sit back, and join us on a journey through the life of Rosa Parks, a true pioneer for civil rights. Let us start with some background information on Rosa Parks. 3. List, recall, and explain the significance of eight key years in the life of Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement. 4. Explain multiple experiences that coalesced to lead Rosa Parks to a lifelong commitment and dedication to the Civil Rights Movement. 5. Explain why Rosa Parks was uniquely qualified to help advance the Civil Rights Let’s reflect on some key Rosa Parks facts that highlight her remarkable life and contributions. Important Rosa Parks Facts Rosa Parks was born in 1913. Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. Source: Library of Congress. Rosa Parks’ grandparents were former slaves. She came from a family of strong advocates for racial equality. Students will analyze Rosa Parks' evolving activism during the Black Freedom Movement using primary source sets created from the Library of Congress exhibit "Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words.” Students will use the evolving hypothesis strategy to answer the focus question. Death threats and menacing phone calls plagued Parks throughout her life. She and her husband both lost their jobs, and they struggled financially for more than a decade as a result. Working was an important part of her identity; being stripped of her ability to earn a living and feel useful left her feeling aimless. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) hosted a screening of The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks on February 9 as part of Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. There was a reception, film screening, and discussion at the CTU Center. La Grange The name Rosa Parks is synonymous with courage and defiance in the face of oppression. Her act of refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white person on December 1, 1955, sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. However, there is more to Rosa Parks than this singular act of bravery. Rosa Parks was aware of the narrative that was developed for her. At all times, she was conscious that, to the press, to the country, and to her friends, she was now someone else entirely. The theme of “The Narrative of Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement” expands how that role contributed to the costs Parks had to pay for her activism.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.