Rosa Parks: The Lady Who Stood for Justice

Rosa Parks
(1913-2005)

Note: Please see the question at the end.

When I think back to the stories I actually remember from my history classes while growing up, the powerful story of Rosa Parks is one that definately marks my mind.

Parks, whose body currently lies in state in the rotunda of the U.S. capitol as the first female in our nation's history to ever recieve such an honor, certainly stood for something greater than just great and set an example for all to follow.

Indeed, the actions of a lone Rosa Parks on December 1, 1955, set into play what most historians consider to be the beginning of the modern civil rights movement. That day, Parks, a relatively unknown seamstress, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was arrested and charged with violating a city ordinance. However, what she had really violated was injustice.

"I was determined to achieve the total freedom that our history lessons taught us we were entitled to, no matter what the sacrifice." - Rosa Parks

Wow! Can you imagine? Can you imagine yourself doing what Rosa Parks did on that cold day in December -- standing up for the freedom(s) that our history lessons tell us we are all entitled to? It certainly takes some profound courage! Would you? Could you? -- Stand up for injustice.

Breaking Alabama law that day was defending justice. Rosa Parks was tired. Tired of injustice. Isn't it ironic to think of how much energy can arise from simply being "tired" of something? Talk about a galvanization of the soul!

This blog is my tribute to Rosa Parks, one who will always stand among the world's greats -- those whom have risked their lives and their freedom for what they felt was right and just.

In closing, I'd like to ask you this question that I heard posed on Dallas 106.1 KISS FM this morning:

Like Rosa Parks, who lies in state right now in our nation's capitol as the first woman to ever do so, and much deserved, can you think of another such heroic woman who may or might have deserved such an honor in their lifetime?