Civil Rights Movement Writing Exercises |
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1. Describe “Freedom Summer.” 2. Who was Rosa Parks, and what was her contribution to the civil rights movement? 3. Who was Martin Luther King, Jr., and what was his contribution to the civil rights movement? Click here to print (PDF file). Answers will vary. |
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Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" for her pivotal role in the African American struggle for equality in the United States. Her contribution to the civil rights movement was instrumental in challenging racial segregation and inspiring further activism.
Early Life: Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. She grew up in the racially segregated South, experiencing the discrimination and injustices that defined the era. Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956): Rosa Parks' most renowned act of activism occurred on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama. Parks, an African American seamstress and political activist, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a city bus as was required by the city's segregation laws. Her refusal led to her arrest and subsequent trial. The local African American community, led by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., E.D. Nixon, and Jo Ann Robinson, saw an opportunity to challenge the discriminatory bus policies. Her arrest ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a year-long protest where African Americans in Montgomery boycotted the city's public bus system. This protest led to numerous arrests, economic pressure on the bus company, and garnered national attention. Legal Challenge: Parks' arrest also prompted legal action against racial segregation. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was instrumental in challenging segregation laws and practices. In 1956, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that Montgomery's segregation on public buses was unconstitutional in the case of Browder v. Gayle. This marked a significant victory against racial segregation. Symbol of Resistance: Rosa Parks became a symbol of nonviolent resistance against racial discrimination and inequality. Her courage in the face of injustice inspired countless others to join the civil rights movement and participate in acts of civil disobedience. Her steadfastness showed that ordinary individuals could play a vital role in promoting social change. Later Life and Legacy: Rosa Parks and her family faced harassment and threats following her involvement in the boycott. In 1957, she and her husband Raymond moved to Detroit, Michigan, seeking a quieter life. She continued to work for civil rights and served on the staff of Congressman John Conyers. Rosa Parks' role in the civil rights movement earned her numerous awards and honors, and she remained an iconic figure in the struggle for justice. She passed away on October 24, 2005, leaving a profound legacy of courage, resilience, and commitment to the principles of equality and civil rights. Rosa Parks' act of civil disobedience served as a catalyst for broader efforts to combat segregation and discrimination, contributing significantly to the momentum of the civil rights movement in the United States. Her actions and her character continue to inspire generations to stand up for justice and equality. |
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