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 seat to a white passenger on December 1, 1955, Parks became a symbol of resistance against racial segregation and injustice in the United States, helping to galvanize the Civil Rights Movement and inspiring others to stand up against oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man, leading to her trial and a fine of $14.
2. Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and lasted from December 1955 until December 1956.
3. The boycott resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.
4. Parks' actions are often credited with igniting the modern Civil Rights Movement and encouraging others to engage in activism.
5. Rosa Parks later became known as the 'mother of the civil rights movement' due to her significant influence and contributions to the struggle for equality.

Review Questions

• How did Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat contribute to the larger Civil Rights Movement?
  • Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat was a catalyst that ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted over a year and became one of the most significant events in the Civil Rights Movement. Her act of defiance highlighted the injustices of racial segregation and inspired countless others to participate in activism. This moment galvanized community support, leading to organized protests and ultimately resulting in legal changes that dismantled discriminatory practices.
• Discuss the impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott on public perception of racial segregation in America.
  • The Montgomery Bus Boycott had a profound impact on public perception of racial segregation by bringing national attention to the injustices faced by African Americans. The boycott demonstrated the power of collective action and nonviolent resistance, capturing media coverage that exposed the harsh realities of segregation. As more people became aware of these injustices, support for civil rights grew, leading to wider social and legislative changes across the country.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of Rosa Parks' actions in relation to contemporary civil rights issues in America.
  • Rosa Parks' actions remain significant today as they symbolize the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America. Her courage inspired generations of activists who continue to fight against systemic racism and discrimination in various forms. The legacy of her defiance resonates in contemporary movements, highlighting the importance of individual agency within collective efforts for social change. Issues such as police brutality, voting rights, and racial inequality still echo her fight, demonstrating that while progress has been made, the quest for true equality is far from over.

Related terms

Montgomery Bus Boycott: A major protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama, which began after Rosa Parks' arrest and lasted for over a year.

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

Civil Rights Movement: A decades-long struggle for social justice aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.