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 civil rights movement. By refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger on December 1, 1955, Parks sparked a major protest against racial segregation in the United States, which ultimately led to significant legislative achievements and a shift in public attitudes toward civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rosa Parks was arrested for civil disobedience after refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, which prompted the local African American community to organize a boycott of the bus system.
2. The Montgomery Bus 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 became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights and inspired many others to take action against racial injustice.
4. The success of the boycott helped to establish Martin Luther King Jr. as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement and brought national attention to the cause.
5. Rosa Parks is often referred to as 'the mother of the civil rights movement' for her significant contribution to the fight against racial segregation and her lifelong commitment to social justice.

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 was a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which mobilized the African American community and highlighted the injustices of racial segregation. Her act of defiance demonstrated the power of individual resistance and galvanized support for broader civil rights efforts. The successful boycott not only challenged segregation laws but also laid the groundwork for future activism and legislative changes within the civil rights movement.
• Discuss the impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott on subsequent civil rights legislation in the United States.
  • The Montgomery Bus Boycott significantly impacted subsequent civil rights legislation by showcasing the effectiveness of collective action and nonviolent protest. The boycott's success directly contributed to the 1964 Civil Rights Act by increasing public awareness and support for dismantling segregation. It highlighted the urgency for legislative change, leading to further federal actions aimed at securing equal rights for all citizens, setting important precedents for future movements.
• Evaluate Rosa Parks' legacy within the context of the broader civil rights movement and its lasting effects on American society.
  • Rosa Parks' legacy is profoundly intertwined with the civil rights movement as she is celebrated not only for her courageous act but also for her lifelong advocacy for social justice. Her actions inspired generations to fight against oppression and advocate for equality, making her an enduring symbol of resistance. The effects of her legacy continue to resonate today as movements for social justice still draw inspiration from her bravery, emphasizing that individual actions can spark significant societal change.

Related terms

Montgomery Bus Boycott: A 381-day mass protest against racial segregation on the public transit system of Montgomery, Alabama, initiated by Rosa Parks' arrest.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of federal legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, representing a major victory for the civil rights movement.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A prominent leader in the American civil rights movement who advocated for nonviolent protest and played a key role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.