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Rosa Parks is born
Rosa was born on February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama to James McCauley, a carpenter, and Leona McCauley, a teacher. After her parents separated she grew up on a farm just outside of Montgomery, Alabama with her mother, brother, Sylvester, and her maternal grandparents Rosa Parks grew up to be one of the key leaders in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s.(www.rosaparks.org) -
Rosa marries Raymond Parks
Raymond Parks was a member of the NAACP. The NAACP was founded to help gain equality for African Americans in the United States Raymond urged Rosa to finish her studies and get her high school diploma. (www.rosaparks.com) -
Rosa becomes actively involved in the Montgomery Chapter of the NAACP
Rosa first learned of the NAACP from her husband Raymond. Rosa was volunteered to be the secretary to the president of the Montgomery Chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP was first formed in the late 1800s to promote equality in the United States.
The NAACP was very involved in working to improve the rights of African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement.
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Rosa refuses to give up her seat on the bus
After a long day at work at the Montgomery Fair Department Store, Rosa boarded a bus for home and took a seat in the area designated for "colored" passengers. When the bus filled up the driver asked four African American passengers to give up their seat for white people, Rosa refused to do so and was arrested. (www.biography.com) -
Montgomery Bus Boycott begins
In response to Rosa Park's arrest the local chapter of the NAACP organized a boycott of the buses in Montgomery, AL. All African-Americans were asked to stay off the buses. The boycott lasted for 382 days and is considered one of the largest and most successful mass movements against racial segregation in history (www.rosaparks.org) -
Montgomery Improvement Association Formed
As a result of the early success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott ti was determined that a new organization with strong leadership was needed to continue. The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) was formed and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was chosen as its leader. The MIA believed that Rosa Park's case provided an excellent opportunity to take further action to create real change in Montgomery. (www.biography.com) -
Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development founded
Rosa, along with her friend, Elaine Eason Steele, founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development. The institute runs the "Pathways to Freedom" bus tours that introduce young people to important civil rights and Underground Railroad sites in the country. The institute tries to motivate youth to reach their highest potential and build practical day-to-day living skills. (www.rosaparks.com) -
Rosa Parks awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Bill Clinton awarded Rosa Parks the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given by the U.S. executive branch. She was given this award for her efforts to bring equality for all Americans and due to her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement of the United States. (www.biography.com)
