Today marks the 64th anniversary of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. To honor her brave act, the city unveiled a statue in her honor.
According to Al.com, the statue, which depicts Parks standing as she clutches her purse, is located just steps away from the location where Parks stood before she boarded the segregated bus.
“No one has ever stood so tall as did Rosa Parks when she sat down,” said Gov. Kay Ivey who participated in the unveiling along with Mayor Reed, the first African American mayor of the city.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and lasted for 381 days.
“This depiction will inspire future generations to make the pilgrimage to our city, to push toward the path of righteousness, strength, courage and equality,” said Mayor Reed.
In addition to Parks’ statue, four markers honoring the plaintiffs in Browder vs. Gayle, are also at the location. The outcome of their court case made segregation on Montgomery’s public buses unconstitutional.
December 1 is officially ‘Rosa Parks Day’ in Montgomery, Alabama, but we celebrate her courage and sacrifice all over the world.
Thank you, Ms. Parks!
photo credit: Mickey Welsh