Who Was Rosa Parks?

Up until 1955, all places in America had separate places for blacks and whites: different drinking fountains, different restrooms, different sides of the buses, schools, and even different neighborhoods.

But on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a local black seamstress of Montgomery, Alabama, refused to give up her seat to a white man. She was arrested and fined that same day for breaking a "city ordinance." This incident led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., many black people in Montgomery refused to ride buses. They,instead, carpooled, walked, and took taxis. Because of the sudden decrease of bus riders, bus companies began to lose money. In order to regain financial strength, the law changed for all people to be equal and for non-segregation.

Rosa Parks' refusal of her bus seat led to the boycott which led to legalizing non-segregation. She remains important in our society not just because of her standing up to unjust laws, but also, Rosa Parks fought for civil rights and gave speeches to teach young children about the history of our country.

You can read Julien G.'s related story about Dr. Martin Luther King.

Watch this video about what happened on December 1, 1955.

President Obama Celebrates Dr. King's Birthday

On the birthday of Martin Luther King, President Obama made a speech in the White House. He gathered young people and old people to listen to his speech. He wanted to remind us that there are many young courageous people like Dr. Dorothy Height, Mrs. Eleanor Banks, and Romaine Thomas and her husband. He also included many others who are actively involved in bringing about great moments in the US history.

Obama said he heard from Willie Glanton, who is a great activist in Iowa. She has done work on the behalf of the civil rights movement, which is reminding us that raciscm wasn't just isolated in some areas. Dr. Height told listeners what it was like meeting Martin Luther King when he was a 15-year-old at the Morehouse.

Click here to read The Hillwood Herald's coverage on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s holiday and life.

Written by: Rubina H.