[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E97-E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION OBSERVING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF CIVIL RIGHTS 
                            ICON ROSA PARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution 
observing the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Through 
her quiet courage, Mrs. Parks came to symbolize all that is vital about 
nonviolent protests, enduring threats, yet persisting as an advocate 
for the basic values of human rights and dignity. Her act of civil 
disobedience in refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Alabama is 
credited by historians with sparking the modern day civil rights 
movement, earning her the title ``mother of the freedom movement.''
  After she left Alabama in 1957, she and her husband Raymond moved to 
Michigan. I was honored to have her play a significant role in my first 
election for Congress. Many of you know that Mrs. Parks went on to 
serve on my congressional staff for more than 20 years. Her presence in 
my office embodied a tireless spirit of commitment to public service 
and served as a constant reminder of the power of a single act of 
courage.
  Though she led a more private life in Detroit, her commitment to 
public service remained strong. In 1987, along with her close associate 
Elaine Steele, she co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for 
Self Development, pursuing the mission of motivating and directing 
young people to achieve their highest potential. Grounded in her 
philosophy of quiet strength, the Institute continues to build upon the 
Parks legacy by sponsoring youth programs that teach life skills and 
promote a cross-cultural perspective.
  For her role as the First Lady of Civil Rights, Rosa Parks was the 
recipient of numerous awards and accolades. This list includes the 
Congressional Gold Medal, the Spingarn Award for civil rights 
contributions, the highest honor of the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 
which is the highest civilian honor in the United States. She was even 
named one of the 20 most influential and iconic figures of the 20th 
century. When she died in October 2005, the outpouring of grief and 
respect was worldwide. In recognition of her historic contributions, 
this Congress voted to allow Mrs. Parks to lie in honor in the Capitol 
rotunda so that the people of the United States could pay their last 
respects to a great American.
  In this spirit of honoring her legacy, yesterday the Henry Ford 
Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, sponsored a program to highlight her 
contributions to the civil rights movement. The program was designed to 
reflect on the spirit of Mrs. Parks' commitment, calling for a National 
Day of Courage.
  The day-long event, both virtual and on-site at the museum, featured 
nationally-recognized speakers, music and dramatic interpretations to 
commemorate her extraordinary life and accomplishments. I believe that 
this program will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the value of 
individual contributions to the struggle for equality and, through 
reflection on her example, inspire all Americans to stand up for 
freedom and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
  By refusing to give up her seat and standing for equal rights, Rosa 
Parks inspired a movement and became a legendary example of the value 
of a single courageous act. At a time when our nation faces challenges, 
both domestic and global, I believe that the example of Rosa Parks 
remains relevant every citizen. We should always use her birthday to 
reflect

[[Page E98]]

on how each of us can contribute to our nation's promise of freedom and 
equality to ensure that the American dream remains within reach for all 
who believe.

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