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. Her act of defiance became a symbol of the struggle against racial segregation and sparked a mass movement that contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rosa Parks is often referred to as the 'mother of the civil rights movement' due to her courageous stand against injustice.
2. Her refusal to give up her seat was not a spontaneous act; Parks had been involved in civil rights activism for years prior to the boycott.
3. The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted for over a year and led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.
4. Parks' actions inspired many other forms of nonviolent protest and were influential in galvanizing support for civil rights legislation.
5. Rosa Parks' legacy continues today as a symbol of resistance against oppression and has made her an enduring figure in American history.

Review Questions

• How did Rosa Parks' actions influence the Montgomery Bus Boycott and what strategies were employed during this protest?
  • Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat directly triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where African Americans collectively refused to use the city's buses in protest against segregation. The boycott showcased strategic nonviolent resistance, including carpooling and walking, which demonstrated unity and resilience within the African American community. This organized effort not only highlighted racial injustice but also illustrated effective grassroots mobilization.
• Discuss the role of organizations like the NAACP in supporting Rosa Parks and how they contributed to the broader Civil Rights Movement.
  • Organizations such as the NAACP played a crucial role in supporting Rosa Parks by providing legal assistance and strategic guidance following her arrest. The NAACP helped to amplify her story, making it a rallying point for civil rights activism. Their involvement allowed for a coordinated response to segregation and contributed to building momentum for larger protests and legislative changes, highlighting how collective action could drive social change.
• Evaluate Rosa Parks' impact on the Civil Rights Movement and analyze how her legacy influences current social justice movements.
  • Rosa Parks had a profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement by symbolizing courage and resilience against racial injustice. Her actions ignited widespread activism, leading to significant legal advancements like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today, her legacy continues to resonate within current social justice movements, inspiring activists who advocate for equality, civil rights, and systemic change. Parks' example demonstrates that individual acts of bravery can catalyze collective action toward societal transformation.

Related terms

Montgomery Bus Boycott: A significant protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama, lasting from December 1955 to December 1956, following Rosa Parks' arrest.

NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization founded in 1909 to fight for civil rights and racial equality, which Rosa Parks was actively involved with.

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing legal recognition and federal protection of the citizenship rights enumerated in the Constitution and federal law.