The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) welcomes the US Senate passing a bipartisan resolution to honor the 60th anniversary of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks for her courage and outstanding contribution to the civil rights movements in America. Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on December 1, 1955 was a turning point in the fight for civil rights. She and her husband, Raymond, relocated to Michigan in 1957 where she lived until her death in 2005. In a joint press release issued by both US Senator Stabenow and US Senator Gary Peters said: “60 years ago today, Rosa Parks changed our nation’s history by courageously sitting down in order to stand up for human dignity,” said Senator Stabenow. “Rosa Parks is an example of how courage and determination can change the course of history,” Senator Peters said.
AHRC commends Senators Stabenow and Peters for leading this important recognition and thanks all other senators who supported this resolution on behalf of the late Ms. Parks.
“Rosa Parks continues to be a true inspiration to the civil and human rights community,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “Rosa Parks’ simple act of defiance of unjust laws has helped transform this country into a better place to live for everyone. The lesson of Rosa Parks is that it does not take special powerful people to effect change- even one small courageous stand by ordinary people can help change history,” continued Hamad