Page Description
Learn about Rosa Parks’ pivotal role in 1955,
when her brave act of defiance on a Montgomery bus
sparked the Civil Rights Movement.
Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist who became famous for her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. Here are some key points about Rosa Parks and her actions in 1955:
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was riding a bus home from work when the bus driver asked her to give up her seat to a white passenger. She refused, saying she was tired and her feet hurt.
This was a violation of Montgomery’s segregation laws, which required black passengers to give up their seats to white passengers if the white section was full.
The bus driver called the police, and Parks was arrested and charged with violating segregation laws.
Parks’ arrest led to a boycott of the Montgomery bus system by African Americans, led by a young minister named Martin Luther King Jr.
The boycott lasted for over a year, during which time the Supreme Court declared Montgomery’s segregation laws unconstitutional.
Parks’ act of resistance became an important symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, and she is often called the “mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Parks continued to be an activist throughout her life, working for social justice and racial equality. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
1 Rosa Parks Statue Unveiled By President Obama
3 Rosa Parks interview (1995)
4 President Obama Dedicates a Statue Honoring Rosa Parks
27 feb. 2013
Speech president Obama about Rosa Parks
At minute 40 until minute 50
De Amerikaanse president Barack Obama in de historische bus, op de plek van Rosa Parks, 2012 (Publiek Domein – Pete Souza – The White House)
6 Sen. Barak Obama, speaks at Rosa Parks Funeral!
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Gepubliceerd op 12 jan. 2009
7 Larry King Live – 1995: Rosa Parks says she isn’t bitter
8 Bet You Didn’t Know: Rosa Parks | History
12 Rosa Parks – Civil Rights Activist | Mini Bio | BIO
14 Rosa Parks: Activist. Fighter. Hero.
15 From “The Rosa Parks Story: “Arrested”
21 jan. 2015
Hi Friends:
As you know, I enjoy sharing inspirational quotes with you, from all kinds of different sources. I had originally planned, this week, to feature quotes from Rosa Parks, and may yet, at a later time.
For now, the quote which comes to mind is something I heard Deepak Chopra say, as part of an introduction, before he conducted an interview with Rosa Parks. He remembered, as a boy, growing up in India, one morning his father burst into the dining room during breakfast, clutching a newspaper. His father’s short, simple statement was something which stayed with him, and I’m sure greatly influenced him: “There’s a new Gandhi! In the United States!” The newspaper carried the story we have all come to know … about quiet strength … resolve … and peaceful demonstration …
I am proud that one of my favorite posts, and still one of the most viewed, is the “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Quote Collection” we featured back on January 21, 2013. Here’s a link to that post:
http://pastorappreciationblog.com/?s=…
Our sharing of the book “Martin’s Big Words” (which will be right under the “Quotes” post if you go there) is still our most watched video here on our YouTube Channel.
In researching the Rosa Parks story, as I wanted to do a special lesson at school about Rosa Parks, I read many books, and viewed countless videos. I’d like to share my favorite two of those videos with you today. I also used the moment to teach what a “biography” is. I explained that I love to read biographies because I want to read about great people who have done great things … because it inspires me …encourages me … to try to do great things. I am proud that “my kids” know who Rosa Parks is, and who Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. is. What they did … and, why they did it. I think I am just as proud to know that for myself.
The first video is a clip from the movie, “The Rosa Parks Story.” “The Rosa Parks Story” aired on CBS Television on February 24, 2002. Please note this movie is still available for purchase today on Amazon, etc. The script was written by Paris Qualles, and the movie was directed by Julie Dash. Angela Bassett performed a remarkable portrayal of Rosa Parks. You may also recall that Cicely Tyson played Rosa’s mother. This is one of the most dramatic moments I’ve experienced from the screen. I wasn’t sure if I should feature this, “The Arrest Scene,” but I got my answer today. I saw elementary students held, motionless, in awe of what they were watching. They are too young to understand all of the story … but, as the scene developed … I heard children, quietly, gasping … “Get up, Rosa … Rosa, stand up …” Again, all they knew was that they were drawn to this “Rosa Parks,” and, in their innocent, loving way … they didn’t want to see her get into trouble …
In explaining the benefits of a biography, I explained how, when reading (or viewing a biography, as a movie or documentary can also be a biography) we stand in the subject’s shoes, in their place … we find ourselves experiencing what they experienced … we feel what they are feeling … Can you imagine being on that bus … in December, 1955?
Here we are able to “get on that bus” with Rosa Parks, in the “Arrest Scene” from “The Rosa Parks Story”
16 I Am Rosa Parks – Read Along w/ Words on Screen
16 nov. 2017
17 The Incredible Story Of Rosa Parks | Civil Rights Movement | Absolute History
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15 aug. 2020
19 The real story of Rosa Parks — and why we need to confront myths about black history | David Ikard
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20 Facts about Rosa Parks for Kids
22 Car Chases Pedestrians Prank
31 mei 2012
