Rosa Parks: Life and Activism

Early Life and Education

Born Rosa Louise McCauley in Tuskegee, Alabama, on February 4, 1913, details of her upbringing, early experiences with racial discrimination, and education at the Industrial School for Girls and later a laboratory school established by the Alabama State Teachers College for Negroes.

Activism and the Civil Rights Movement

Involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) beginning in 1943, where she served as secretary to the Montgomery chapter. Information on her work fighting for voting rights and challenging racial segregation.

Seamstress and Other Employment

Details on her primary livelihood as a seamstress. She worked at Montgomery Fair department store prior to the bus incident and later at other establishments performing alterations and tailoring.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

A recounting of the December 1, 1955 incident on a Montgomery, Alabama bus where she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, violating segregation laws. Information on the ensuing Montgomery Bus Boycott, its impact, and Parks' role in the movement.

Later Life and Legacy

Following the boycott, she faced hardships and moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she worked for Congressman John Conyers Jr. Details of her continued activism, awards, and recognition for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Discussion of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.