Rosa Parks

Definition

Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which became a significant event in the fight against racial segregation in the United States. By refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, Parks sparked a movement that challenged unjust laws and promoted social justice. Her actions became a symbol of resistance against racial inequality and inspired many others to join the struggle for civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955, for refusing to relinquish her seat on a segregated bus, which led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
2. The boycott lasted for over a year and resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.
3. Parks' act of defiance is often seen as the catalyst that sparked the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
4. She was a longtime member of the NAACP and worked alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in the fight for civil rights.
5. Rosa Parks received numerous awards and honors throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.

Review Questions

• What were the immediate consequences of Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat, and how did it influence the Civil Rights Movement?
  • Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat led to her arrest, which sparked widespread outrage and mobilized the African American community in Montgomery. This resulted in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a significant protest against racial segregation on public transportation. The boycott not only lasted over a year but also became a crucial moment that galvanized support for the Civil Rights Movement, encouraging activism across the nation.
• Discuss the role of Rosa Parks within the NAACP and how her activism contributed to broader social justice efforts during her time.
  • Rosa Parks was an active member of the NAACP, where she served as a secretary and was involved in various civil rights initiatives. Her commitment to fighting racial injustice was reflected in her work with local leaders to address issues affecting African Americans. By participating in grassroots organizing and advocating for equality, Parks helped lay the groundwork for future actions within the Civil Rights Movement, ultimately contributing to significant legislative changes.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Rosa Parks' actions on modern civil rights movements and social justice initiatives.
  • Rosa Parks' actions had a profound and lasting impact on modern civil rights movements and social justice initiatives. Her courageous stand against segregation became a powerful symbol of resistance that inspired countless individuals to advocate for equality. The legacy of her activism is evident in ongoing movements addressing racial inequality, police brutality, and systemic discrimination today. Parks' story continues to motivate new generations of activists who strive for justice and social change across various platforms.

Related terms

Montgomery Bus Boycott: A protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama, that lasted from December 1955 to December 1956, initiated by Rosa Parks' arrest.

NAACP:

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization founded in 1909 that worked to fight for civil rights and eliminate racial discrimination.

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans, seeking equal rights under the law.