[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 142 (Tuesday, November 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST ROSA PARKS

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Rosa Parks, a powerful woman, an American heroine, and a champion for 
all Americans.
  The transformation of a young seamstress into an immortal heroine is 
a rare occurrence. Rosa Parks had a number of societal barriers working 
against her: she was an African American in the segregated South and a 
woman, with no political or social standing, emerging from humble 
parentage. Nonetheless, she conquered obstacles, set the stage for a 
movement for civil rights, and is forever an example for all of us.
  Rosa Parks was born and raised in Alabama by a carpenter and a 
teacher. Brought into a world that degraded and intimidated her with 
its racism, Rosa Parks, along with many others, lived in submission and 
fear. By the age of 42, Rosa Parks was married and an active member in 
the NAACP. Her frustration with the intolerance around her led to an 
event that set the stage for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and became a 
cornerstone in the Civil Rights Movement.
  On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat to 
a white rider. This dignified pronouncement depicted to the country the 
injustice facing African Americans. Her single action eventually led to 
a Supreme Court ruling that outlaws segregation on city buses. Not only 
did her effort lend support to America's civil rights movement, but to 
civil rights movements worldwide.
  The fight for equality and justice Rosa Parks sparked will never end, 
and we will continue to be motivated by the courage of one woman who 
made a profound choice in 1955. In her honor, and for the integrity of 
every citizen in this country, it is essential to continue in Mrs. 
Parks's footsteps.
  The United States Congress calls Rosa Parks the ``Mother of the 
Modern Day Civil Rights Movement.'' Throughout her life she was the 
recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential 
Medal of Freedom, the NAACP's Spingarn Medal, and the Congressional 
Gold Metal.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Rosa Parks, whose dedication to the pursuit of justice for all 
Americans will never be forgotten. Though she will be greatly missed, 
her legacy will be a constant reminder of how far we have come in 
ensuring civil, social, and political rights to African Americans, and 
how much further remains to guarantee equality to every citizen of our 
country.

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