In Memoriam: Rosa Parks - 1913-2005


Rosa Parks was called the mother of the Civil Rights movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white person, as blacks were compelled to do in most of the south during the first half of the twentieth century.


Her refusal to obey the Jim Crow laws as those oppressive laws were called, initiated the Montgomery, Alabama bus strike. Blacks did not ride the buses for over a year. Facing economic disaster, the bus lines finally caved in.

This act began the Civil Rights movement.

Her casket lay in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda.

Rosa Parks is the first woman to be so honored.

– Carol Fondiller

Posted: Wed - November 2, 2005 at 12:42 PM          


©