Rosa Parks

We've all seen this picture. If not you've probably heard of this woman. Her name is Rosa Parks, and she did a lot for civil rights. Not through violence or force, but by simply sitting down. In the 50s, there were strict segregation laws. Whites and blacks didn't use any of the same facilities. They were always separate but rarely equal. Blacks had to sit on the back of the bus, while whites could sit in the front. 

On December 1st 1955, Rosa Parks got into the bus and sat down. A white man later entered the bus expecting her to give up her seat for him, but she didn't. This sounds like a petty argument now, but in those times it was considered a serious act of civil disobedience. The bus driver threatened to call the police, but she didn't care. She stayed in her seat and was later arrested. She was hated by the supporters of segregation, and her whole family faced the consequences. She was aware of the hardships she would face, but knew it was worth in the long run.

She had a lot of support, and inspired a boycott against riding the bus. African Americans all over Alabama refused to ride the bus. A large percentage of those riding the bus were black, so this infuriated the bus companies. The boycott lasted a whole year, and added momentum to the already growing civil rights movement.

She became very famous and went on to win awards. She got a lot of support by Dr. Martin Luther King for her nonviolent protest as well as several feminist groups for her bravery. 5 years ago, she died at the age of 92, but will always be remembered.