[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 15, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H4230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO ROSA PARKS, A TRUE AMERICAN LEGEND

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today Congress will honor a true American 
legend with the Congressional Gold Medal. Many refer to Rosa Parks as 
the First Lady of Civil Rights and the Mother of the Freedom Movement 
because she refused to yield her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, in 
1955 and was arrested. That silent protest by Parks, who is now 86 
years old, set in motion a year-long bus boycott by African Americans 
and a rethinking and elimination of Alabama's segregation law.
  On November 13, 1956, the Supreme Court ruled that the law in Alabama 
was unconstitutional; and the buses were desegregated. As an original 
cosponsor of the legislation awarding the Gold Medal to Mrs. Parks, I 
feel that this is a distinct honor and privilege to participate in the 
process to bestow one of the Nation's highest tributes upon this 
courageous lady. Her contribution to the Freedom Movement helped pave 
the way for civil rights and equal treatment in America.
  To Mrs. Parks:
  I salute you and the significant contributions you have made to this 
great country. Thank you.

                          ____________________