Rosa Parks mother of civil rights – Honorary Oakley

Although there are some that beg to differ majority of historians date the beginning of the modern civil rights movement to December 1st 1955, the day that seamstress Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus to a white traveler. Rosa Parks, was arrested and fined for violating a city ordinance, but her single act of defiance started what would become the tidal wave of the modern civil rights movement that would eventually end legal segregation in America. It is the qualities of bravery and quiet strength that have landed her square in the archives of the Honorary Oakley.

Now let’s take a closer look at the lady herself…..

Rosa Parks – A quick bio:

Full Name: Rosa Louise Parks (nee McCauley)
Born: Tuskegee Alabama USA
Parents: James & Leona McCauley (Carpenter & Teacher)
Birthdate: 4th February 1913
Best Known as: Mother of Civil Rights Movement USA

Background Information:
Rosa Parks was born Rosa Louise McCauley in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1913 to James McCauley, a carpenter, and Leona McCauley, a teacher. When aged two Rosa moved to her grandparents’ farm in Pine Level, Alabama along with her mother and younger brother Sylvester. At the age of eleven she was enrolled in the Montgomery Industrial School for Girls, a private school founded by liberal-minded women from the northern United States. The schools philosophy of self-worth was consistent with Leona McCauley’s advice to “take advantage of the opportunities, no matter how few they were.”

Historical Arrest:
By not giving up her seat (in the black section of the bus) to a white traveler Rosa Parks was arrested for civil disobedience. This one act of defiance led to fifty leaders of the Negro community (among them was the young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) meeting the following night to discuss the issue. This was where the now famous Montgomery Bus Boycott was born and would continue until the bus segregation laws were changed. The boycott meant a citywide strike of the bus system by blacks, in which they refused to use the bus for transportation, it lasted for 382 days and meant the bus company lost a huge amount of money. This changed America forever, when, in 1956 the Supreme Court stated that bus segregation violated the constitution. The Modern Civil Rights Movement was put into motion, which led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today all Americans, whatever their race, nationality, or religion, must be given equal treatment under the law though many sociologists argue this is still not the case.

The Movie:
Given the importance of such a feat this one lonely act would initiate there of course had to be a Hollywood movie made. The film titled ‘The Rosa Parks Story’ stars Oscar, nominated actress Angela Bassett as Rosa Parks. Although the film does obviously cover the arrest and ensuing boycott, it also delves deeper into the story of Rosa Parks and the affects her one act of courage has on her life and marriage (to barber Raymond Parks).

The movie does well to cover not only the occurrence on the bus but also other events in her life including the hatred that follows with the Ku Klux Klan and how it thrusts her into the limelight of the NAACP.

The Forgotten:
It would be unfair to include this Honorary Oakley without mentioning another lady, Irene Morgan who, eleven years prior to Rosa Parks now-famous bus ride in Montgomery, Alabama had a similar incident occur. Irene Morgan (a young Seventh-day Adventist woman) had the courage to take a stand and set right an injustice when she refused to give up her bus seat for a white couple (July 1944). Needless to say because of her firm position and refusing to back down she was arrested and dragged off the bus. Irene Morgan’s case eventually ended up with the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on interstate buses was illegal.

For Today and Tomorrow:
Today Rosa Parks is also known as one of the founders of The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development which was co-founded in February 1987 by Mrs. Rosa Parks and Ms. Elaine Eason Steele, in honor of Rosa’s late husband Raymond Parks (1903 – 1977). It is seen as the living legacy of two individuals who committed their lives to civil and human rights. Rosa met Elaine whilst working in a sewing factory in the early 1960’s, from there the friendship grew, some suggesting Elaine was like a daughter to Mrs Parks. It was out of this close friendship the Institute was founded.

Mrs. Rosa Parks’ courage, determination is just one of the reasons she’s been chosen as our Honorary Oakley this time around (June 2005). It is amazing that she still continues (now in her 90’s) to make Americans aware of the history of the civil rights struggle and her guidance of young African Americans. Mrs. Parks’ inner strength, leadership, and all round Girl Power means we at Thumb Bandits Salute her! She is everything the Honorary Oakley stands for and more. She’s a strong woman who has made fantastic achievements.

Rosa Parks We Salute You!

ADDENDUM: Rosa Parks died October 2005, four months after this article was originally published at Thumb Bandits.

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