Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement.

Rosa Parks, born in 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama, is often referred to as the 'mother of the civil rights movement' for her pivotal role in the fight against racial segregation in the United States. Her act of defiance on December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, became a symbol of resistance against racial injustice.

Parks' arrest for her refusal to comply with segregation laws led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a year-long protest organized by the Montgomery Improvement Association, led by a young Martin Luther King Jr. The boycott ultimately resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional. This victory was a significant milestone in the civil rights movement and inspired further activism across the country.

Parks' courage and determination made her an iconic figure in the struggle for civil rights. She continued to be an active participant in the movement, working with organizations such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Her legacy is celebrated not only for her role in the bus boycott but also for her lifelong commitment to fighting for equality and justice.

Rosa Parks' impact on American society cannot be overstated. Her actions helped to dismantle institutionalized racism and paved the way for future civil rights achievements. For more information on her life and legacy, you can visit The Rosa Parks Foundation.