February is here and Black History Month is in full swing. As we enter into the month, it is important to express gratitude to those who have paved the way for our communities and beyond. One of the many leaders that we continue to celebrate over a century later is Rosa Parks. Parks is best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. While her contributions in that boycott will always be remembered, Rosa Parks mark on society goes much further than one specific moment in time. Parks was an author, activist and played an integral role in the first election of longtime congressman John Conyers.
On Rosa Parks’ birthday: “She was a seasoned freedom fighter whose family supported Marcus Garvey and who married an activist. She joined Montgomery NAACP in 1943, becoming branch secretary + an active strategist. She called Malcolm X her personal hero.” https://t.co/BKh2SWOKBJ
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 4, 2019
Unfortunately, Parks passed away in Detroit at the age of 92 back in 2005. However, many continue to celebrate her birthday as a sign of respect. Among those who payed homage to the civil rights leader were entertainment leaders such as Ava DuVernay, Chelsea Handler and Reese Waters. Reese Waters wrote, “Happy Birthday to Rosa Parks: The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Chelsea Handler wrote, “In honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday, Ralph Northam should resign as governor of Virginia.”
Happy Birthday to Rosa Parks: The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement pic.twitter.com/jvNccbJNrn
— Reese Waters (@reesewaters) February 4, 2019
Rosa Parks would have turned 106 years young today. May she rest in peace.
