Rosa Parks - A Look Back at the First Lady of Civil Rights
Rosa Parks, the first lady of Civil Rights was honored and celebrated this past Thursday with Rosa Parks Day. Observances for the activist who fought on behalf of African-American civil rights are on both December 1st and on her birthday, February 4th.
TheStreet's Special Report: Black History, Wall Street & Beyond is taking a look at leaders from yesterday, today, and tomorrow. During the month-long series, we'll also remember historical milestones and TheStreet's Tony Owusu speaks with CEOs running minority-owned private equity firms to better understand How to Break Diversity Barriers on Wall Street. Plus, TheStreet's Anuz Thapa has a series of interviews focusing on the next generation of leaders on and off Wall Street.
Rosa Parks History - Civil Rights Leader, Activist, and Philanthropist Born
Rosa Parks was born February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama.
She is perhaps best known for her role in the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott.
On December 1, 1955, after a long day of work as a seamstress, Rosa Parks boarded a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She took her seat in the 'colored' section and was arrested for refusing to surrender her seat to a white person.
Image: Rosa Parks arrested
Wikimedia Commons
Her action would gain her notoriety leading to the Montgomery bus boycott. The event was critical in the civil rights movement.
Quote: Rosa Parks
In 1999, President Bill Clinton honored Parks during the State of the Union Address. The President addressed the crowd saying " She's sitting down with the first lady tonight, and she may get up or not as she chooses." The comment drew applause in non-partisan support.
Image: Rosa Parks and President Bill Clinton
Wikimedia Commons
Parks died October 24, 2005, in Detroit Michigan.
More Video From TheStreet's Special Report: Black History, Wall Street & Beyond:
TheStreet is taking this month to amplify voices from the African-American community that sometimes fall through the cracks. Watch the videos below from TheStreet's Tony Owusu and Anuz Thapa:
- The Hidden History of Wall Street's Slave Market
- Lauren Simmons - Now Is the Time to Create Generational Wealth for African Americans
- How to Break Diversity Barriers on Wall Street
- Black History, Wall Street and Beyond- TheStreet's Special Report
- What Diversity Means for a Company's Bottom-Line: Al Roker
- Here's How Diversity Improves Corporate Balance Sheets: Jim Cramer
