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 (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. By the time Parks boarded the bus in 1955, she was an established organizer and leader in the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama. Parks not only showed active resistance by refusing to move she also helped organize and plan the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Many have tried to diminish Parks’ role in the boycott by depicting her as a seamstress who The boycott was a massive financial blow to the bus system, which depended heavily on black passengers. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. Rosa’s bravery sparked a movement that changed the course of history. Rosa’s Legacy. After the boycott, Rosa continued her work for civil rights. Rosa Parks occupies an iconic status in the civil rights movement after she refused to vacate a seat on a bus in favor of a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1955, Parks rejected a bus driver's order to leave a row of four seats in the "colored" section once the white section had filled up and move to the back of the bus. Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) was an American activist in the civil rights movement, best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. The United States Congress has honored her as "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement". Civil rights activist Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the transformational Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rosa Parks’ contributions to the civil rights movement . By the time Parks famously refused to give up a seat on a segregated bus in 1955, she was a well-known figure in the struggle for racial The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, and Rosa Parks played a crucial role in its success. On December 1, 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. King became a national civil rights leader following his support of the bus boycott inspired by Parks. Photo by Associated Press. A lifelong activist for civil rights, Rosa Parks marches at the South African Embassy in Washington on Dec. 10, 1984, in protest of South Africa’s apartheid policies. U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland, D-Texas, is behind her. Rosa Parks often credited Raymond with influencing her views on equality and activism, reflecting their shared commitment to the civil rights movement and the quest for justice. Net Worth and Earning: Salary. Rosa Parks, renowned as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," dedicated her life to fighting against racial injustice. The Montgomery bus boycott made King a national civil rights leader and charismatic symbol of black equality. Other black ministers and activists like Abernathy, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Bayard Rustin, and Ella Baker also became prominent figures in the civil rights movement. For 382 days, almost the entire African American population of Montgomery, Alabama, including leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, refused to ride on segregated buses. The protests 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. Rosa Parks is synonymous with the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. It all stems from December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, when Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus to a 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 was an American activist and leader in the civil rights movement whose bravery led to nationwide efforts to empower African Americans and raise awareness about racism towards them. She has been named ‘the first lady of civil rights’ and ‘the mother of the freedom movement’ by many, including the United States Congress. Rosa Parks’ journey from a young girl experiencing segregation to a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement is a testament to the power of early life influences in shaping a leader’s path. Her story continues to inspire generations to stand against injustice and fight for equality. In addition to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks contributed to the Civil Rights Movement in many ways, such as being a secretary and leader in the NAACP and an activist for various civil rights causes throughout the years. The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956 was a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. Triggered by the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger, the 13-month protest campaign reshaped the struggle for racial equality and introduced the world to a young minister named Martin Luther King Jr.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |