Rosa Parks 1913-2005

Posted by: modiggitty | 25 Oct 05 | 12 comments

| More

Last night, an icon of the civil rights movement died at age 92. Rosa Parks sparked a year-long boycott of the bus system, led by Martin Luther King, when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man who demanded it. Rosa was jailed and fined for her act of defiance.

Most Americans are familiar with Rosa's legacy and, upon hearing the news of her death, will take a moment to mourn the loss of such a courageous woman. But the question remains: "Why is an ENVIRONMENTAL organization acknowledging the passing of this civil rights heroine?"

Fair enough. Rosa was not a tree-hugger. She never hung a banner denouncing whaling. She never stood by us when we protested nuclear weapons. However, Rosa Parks and Greenpeace are inherently the same. We both stand up for what we believe in, and we do it through civil disobedience.

Gandhi, MLK, members of the Boston Tea Party...we consider these people part of our family. Rosa's death is like losing a cousin. We may not all be fighting for the same thing, but we're all speaking the same language and adhering to the same principles of non-violence.

"At the time I was arrested I had no idea it would turn into this. It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of the people joined in."
-Rosa Parks

Main

Recent Posts

Comments (12)

Susinn MacMerchys on October 25, 2005

Rosa, may you rest, and know your cause will go on. Thank you for your bravery, faith, and honesty. Blessings, Susinn
Daniel Lippman on October 25, 2005

Rosa Parks was a pioneer in the civil rights movement. God Bless Her.
Bernadette Garcia on October 25, 2005

Rosa, Metro High School in Cedar Rapids is doing a 50th anniversary and we wanted you to be there and we know that your spirit will be with us forever thank you for doing all that you did god bless and rest in peace
Anne Hull on October 25, 2005

Rosa Parks
Woman of principle
Woman of strength
Woman of action
Woman of non-violence
Woman of peace
Saintly woman
May you rejoice in
paradise
And may we never fail
to sit in, stand up
circle round and
march on.
Mary Susan Orlow-Barr on October 25, 2005

Thank you for giving all of us Courage by your example!
jude on October 25, 2005

To Rosa Parks,
You have always been my hero since that day in 1955, I still remember your courage, bravery and determination. Your strength has been my inspiration. Prayers, love and blessings. Rest in peace. Heaven shines brighter tonight.
Elaine on October 25, 2005

Let us not forget this woman's strength and her undying gift to all people.
We must carry on the fight for civil rights for all people.
Let's stop talking about it, and take some real action!
Kim Alfredsson on October 26, 2005

Rosa Parks rest in peace! You did somting good when you refused to give up youre seat to a white man on a bus an start movement for citizen-rights and works for black people shall have the same rights as white. Keep up the good works all people like her. Good bye!
david on October 26, 2005

what is there to say other than, may the legacy of this great woman live on forever
Lamna nasus on October 29, 2005

Rosa proved that one person can make a difference. A wonderful example to us all.
Z on October 31, 2005

Rosa Parks is a reminder for everyone who stands for anything to not just go along and take the easy route, even if it means sacrifice. She is an example of a true world changer. She proves that one person can make a difference. May God rest her soul.
ecodude on November 04, 2005

There is another connection. Rosa Parks took her stand on public transportation. A large proportion of African Americans use public transportation, saving a large quantity of greenhouse gases and all the other destruction that goes along with excessive oil consumption. Public transportation is an essential part of transitioning to a sustainable future gradually and stopping global warming as opposed to peak oil which if it comes would hit us like a ton of bricks.

You must have a Greenpeace or Facebook account and be logged in to post comments.
Please log in or create an account to share your comments
or connect with facebook: Connect with Facebook

Sign up

The planet needs you, and so do we. Join our mailing list to get the latest Greenpeace news, online action alerts, and more delivered to your inbox.

Connect with Facebook

About our Campaign blog

Here, you can hear directly from our campaigners, issue experts, and activists about the work we're doing and the actions we're taking to protect the environment. This is also where you can find our responses to breaking news and the best ways for you to get involved with Greenpeace.

Syndicate

Full RSS Feed

Grassroots blog

Network with fellow activists, share your stories, discuss latest news and trends, and trade tips on organizing and living green. Visit our Grassroots blog.

Greenpeace