ROSA PARKS ~by Imogen

Who were they? Rosa Parks, most famous for the Montgomery Bus Boycott

(when) Born: February 4th, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama

(when) Died: October 24th, 2005 in Detroit, Michigan

Where were they?

Rosa grew up in the southern United States in Alabama. Her parents separated while she was still young and she, with her mother and brother, went to live on her grandparent's farm in the nearby town of Pine Level. Rosa went to the local school for African-American children where her mother was a teacher.

What did they do to make a difference?
Rosa made a difference by making an example and not moving for a white person and standing up for her rights, also she made a difference in peoples lives by helping them realize we are all equal. She believed we should be judged on the respect we have for ourselves and others, not because of our color.

Why did the feel inspired to lead change?
Rosa was inspired to lead change because when she was growing up she had to live with racism. Rosa always thought that people should be treated the same. One day Rosa had an opportunity to do something when the Freedom Train arrived in Montgomery. The train was supposed to not be segregated according to the Supreme Court. So Rosa led a group of African-American students to the train. They attended the exposition on the train at the same time and in the same line as the white students. Some people in Montgomery didn't like this, but Rosa wanted to show them that all people should be treated the same. 

How did she go about leading change? 
It was on December 1, 1955 that Rosa made her famous stand (while sitting) on the bus. Rosa had settled in her seat on the bus after a hard days work. All the seats on the bus had filled up when a white man boarded. The bus driver told Rosa and some other African-Americans to stand up. Rosa refused. The bus driver said he would call the police. Rosa didn't move. Soon the police showed up and Rosa was arrested, and Rosa was charged with breaking a segregation law and was told to pay a fine of $10 ($109.28 in New Zealand money today). She refused to pay, however, saying that she was not guilty and that the law was illegal. She appealed to a higher court.