[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 142 (Tuesday, November 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ROSA PARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of 
Rosa Parks, a pioneer of the civil rights movement, who passed away on 
October 24, 2005. She will not soon be forgotten. In a moment of 
defiance, America's history forever changed. On one December day in 
1955, Rosa Parks defied the social injustices that were plaguing the 
United States and made a statement by refusing to surrender her bus 
seat to a white man. This historic day in Montgomery, Alabama gave a 
spark to the civil rights movement. In a time and place of great 
danger, Rosa Parks was a leader among those brave individuals who 
sought to overcome racial discrimination and bigotry.
  Rosa Parks knew the dangers and potential consequences of her 
actions, but she also had a greater sense of what was right and what 
was just. Her passion for freedom and equality should serve as an 
inspiration for generations to come, just as it did during the 
uncertain times of the 1950s and 1960s. When she refused to give away 
her seat, Mrs. Parks was not looking for any sort of attention or fame. 
She was simply asserting her fundamental rights as a woman and an 
American that serve as the foundation of the United States.
  Today, and forever, we will honor the memory of Rosa Parks. History 
will remember her as one of the greatest Americans. Rosa Parks will 
forever walk among the heroes of justice and freedom.

                          ____________________