Rosa Parks: A Trailblazing Icon of the Civil Rights Movement

: The Power of One

The name Rosa Parks has become synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement. Her simple act of defiance - refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man - sparked a wave of protests and ultimately led to the desegregation of buses in Montgomery, Alabama.

Easy Reader Biographies: Rosa Parks

by Matt Doeden

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1879 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	16 pages

FREE

Rosa Parks' story is a reminder that even one person can make a difference. Her courage and determination inspired countless others to stand up for their rights and fight for equality.

Early Life and Education

Rosa Parks was born Rosa Louise McCauley on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Her parents were former slaves who worked hard to provide a good life for their family.

Rosa attended segregated schools and faced discrimination from a young age. However, she was a bright and determined student, and she graduated from high school at the age of 16.

Marriage and Family

In 1932, Rosa married Raymond Parks, a barber. The couple had no children, but they were close to their extended family.

Rosa and Raymond were both active in the Civil Rights Movement. Raymond was a member of the NAACP, and Rosa worked as a secretary for the Montgomery chapter.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was riding a bus home from work when she was told to give up her seat to a white man. She refused, and she was arrested for violating the city's segregation laws.

Rosa's arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for more than a year. During the boycott, African Americans refused to ride the buses in Montgomery. They walked, carpooled, and rode bicycles instead.

The boycott was a success, and it led to the desegregation of buses in Montgomery. Rosa Parks became a national symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, and she continued to work for equality for the rest of her life.

Later Years and Legacy

After the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks continued to be active in the Civil Rights Movement. She worked with Martin Luther King, Jr., and other leaders to fight for equality and justice.

Rosa Parks received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Rosa Parks died on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92. She is remembered as a courageous and determined woman who made a lasting impact on the world.

: A Trailblazing Icon

Rosa Parks was a pioneer and a trailblazer. Her courage and determination helped to change the course of history, and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Rosa Parks' story is a reminder that even one person can make a difference. We can all learn from her example and strive to create a more just and equitable world.