Rosa Parks made global difference

By Beryl D. Anderson, J.D.
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was started by Rosa Parks’ refusing to give up her bus seat to a white male on December 1, 1955.
Because of her decision, Mrs. Parks lost her job and received threats, yet she persevered in standing up for a cause that she believed in. Using Parks as an example, a lawsuit was filed, the case considered and decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ruled that segregation in public transportation was unconstitutional.
The struggle and the civil rights movement had an effect on laws that bolstered desegregation, affirmative action, economic change, self-esteem, correct human relations and other issues.
Rosa Parks was the third person to be arrested for not giving up a seat on a Montgomery bus. But she was the one who the late E.D. Nixon, a Montgomery civil rights activist, perceived could live up to public scrutiny and the demands of the civil rights court challenge.
The civil rights movement in the U.S. has impacted emerging democracies. The “battle” song, “We Shall Overcome” has survived and been sung as a model at protests for justice that have been fought in South Africa, China and other countries.
Parks’ strong family background influenced her actions. A commitment to change and civil rights was instilled in her from her youth.
Rosa Louise McCauley was born February 4, 1913 to James and Leona McCauley in Tuskegee, Alabama. She moved with her mother to her grandparents’ home in Pine Level, Alabama until she was eleven. As a child, Rosa was inspired with a concern about race relations. In 1932 she married Raymond Parks, who was a longtime member of the NAACP and worked for civil rights and justice. In 1943, Mrs. Parks became active in the Montgomery branch of the NAACP where she served as youth director and secretary. As youth director, she helped young people organize protests for equal rights.

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