Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who became an iconic figure in the struggle for racial equality. Her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a symbol of the civil rights movement.

Early Life

Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. She grew up in a racially segregated society where African Americans faced discrimination and limited rights. Despite the challenges, Parks attended a segregated school and later became involved in civil rights activism.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. This act of defiance led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 13-month-long protest against segregated seating on city buses. The boycott was organized by civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and ultimately led to the desegregation of the city's bus system.

Impact and Legacy

Rosa Parks' courageous act and the subsequent boycott brought national attention to the issue of racial segregation and inspired other civil rights activists. Parks became known as the "mother of the civil rights movement" and continued her activism throughout her life, fighting for racial and social justice.

Study Guide

When and where was Rosa Parks born?
What was the significance of Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on the bus?
Who were some of the key leaders involved in the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
What was the outcome of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
How did Rosa Parks' actions impact the civil rights movement?

Use this study guide to review and deepen your understanding of the life and legacy of Rosa Parks. You can also explore further resources and documentaries to learn more about her contributions to the fight for equality and justice.