Rosa Parks Day

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Rosa Parks Day is an American holiday in honor of Rosa Parks, celebrated on February 4 or December 1. The holiday was created by the California State Legislature and first celebrated in 2000. It is a day to commemorate the civil rights leader's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

History

Rosa Parks Day was first established by the California State Legislature and signed into law by then-Governor Gray Davis. The holiday is celebrated on February 4, Rosa Parks' birthday, in the state of California and on December 1, the anniversary of the day she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus, in the state of Ohio.

Significance

Rosa Parks is often referred to as the "mother of the civil rights movement" due to her courageous act of defiance on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama. Her arrest led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement that helped to end racial segregation on public transportation in the United States.

Celebrations

Rosa Parks Day is celebrated with various events and activities, including educational programs, lectures, and community service projects. Schools and community organizations often hold events to teach the importance of Rosa Parks' actions and the broader Civil Rights Movement.

Legacy

Rosa Parks' legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders. Her story is a testament to the power of individual action in the fight for social justice and equality. The holiday serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of standing up against injustice.

See also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Montgomery Bus Boycott
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Voting Rights Act of 1965