Rosa Parks

Definition

Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. By refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in December 1955, she sparked a significant movement that aimed to end racial segregation in public transportation and broader society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955, after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
2. Her act of defiance is often referred to as 'the spark' that ignited the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
3. Parks was a long-time member of the NAACP and worked as a secretary for its Montgomery chapter, which helped organize the bus boycott.
4. The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted for 381 days and led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.
5. Rosa Parks became an enduring symbol of resistance to racial injustice and is often called 'the mother of the civil rights movement.'

Review Questions

• How did Rosa Parks' actions influence the Civil Rights Movement in the United States?
  • Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat became a powerful symbol of resistance against racial segregation. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which brought national attention to the issue of civil rights and mobilized activists across the country. This event marked a significant turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, leading to increased activism and major legal changes regarding racial equality.
• What role did the Montgomery Bus Boycott play in challenging racial segregation and how did it connect to Rosa Parks’ actions?
  • The Montgomery Bus Boycott served as a direct response to Rosa Parks' arrest and was instrumental in challenging racial segregation in public transportation. Organized by local civil rights leaders, it united the African American community and garnered support from various organizations, including the NAACP. The boycott demonstrated collective action against unjust laws and ultimately led to a Supreme Court decision that deemed segregation on public buses unconstitutional.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Rosa Parks’ legacy on contemporary social justice movements.
  • Rosa Parks' legacy continues to inspire contemporary social justice movements by exemplifying the power of individual action against systemic injustice. Her courageous stand highlights the importance of grassroots activism and community organization. Today, many movements address various forms of inequality, drawing upon her example to advocate for change and empower marginalized communities. The principles she stood for resonate in current dialogues about race, equality, and justice.

Related terms

Montgomery Bus Boycott: A year-long protest against racial segregation on the public bus system in Montgomery, Alabama, initiated by Rosa Parks' arrest.

NAACP:

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization that played a crucial role in the civil rights movement and which Rosa Parks was a member of.

Civil Rights Movement: A social and political movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans.