Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rosa Parks

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rosa Parks made an impact.

Rosa Parks, an American activist, is renowned for her pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Her courageous refusal to relinquish her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger, in defiance of segregationist Jim Crow laws, ignited the Montgomery bus boycott. This act of defiance earned her the title "mother of the civil rights movement," solidifying her legacy as a symbol of resistance against racial injustice and a catalyst for change.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1941: Began Working at Maxwell Air Force Base

In 1941, Rosa Parks began working at Maxwell Air Force Base as a training facility for air force cadets. The fully integrated base provided an alternative reality to the racial policies of Jim Crow.

December 1943: Elected secretary of the NAACP Montgomery chapter

In December 1943, Rosa Parks was elected secretary of the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP. She accepted the role because she was the only woman present and felt too timid to refuse.

1943: Joined the NAACP

In 1943, Rosa Parks joined the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP, serving as secretary. She successfully registered to vote and investigated cases of racial and sexual violence.

1944: Investigated the gang rape of Recy Taylor

In 1944, Rosa Parks began investigating the gang rape of Recy Taylor and organized "The Committee for Equal Justice for Mrs. Recy Taylor" after a grand jury failed to indict the perpetrators.

1952: Organized support for Jeremiah Reeves

In 1952, Rosa Parks organized support for Jeremiah Reeves, who was accused of raping a white woman. She advocated for his cause.

1954: Began working as a seamstress for the Durrs

In 1954, Rosa Parks began working as a seamstress for Clifford and Virginia Durr, a white couple. They were politically liberal and opposed to segregation.

October 1957: Parks briefly moves to Hampton, Virginia.

In October 1957, Rosa Parks moved to Hampton, Virginia, for a brief period to work at Holly Tree Inn as a hostess before returning to Detroit in December.

August 1963: Parks Participates in March on Washington

In August 1963, Rosa Parks participated in the March on Washington, where she was honored alongside other prominent women in the civil rights struggle during the "Tribute to Women" segment. She noted the lack of women's representation in the event.

1964: Parks Works for John Conyers

In 1964, Rosa Parks played a crucial role in John Conyers's congressional campaign and subsequently worked as a secretary and receptionist for his Detroit office, addressing socio-economic challenges and ensuring Conyers remained connected to grassroots concerns.

1965: Parks Joins Selma to Montgomery Marches

In 1965, Rosa Parks attended the Selma to Montgomery marches, joined the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, and supported the Freedom Now Party.

July 1975: Joanne Little Acquitted

In July 1975, Joanne Little, whom Rosa Parks advocated for through the Detroit chapter of the Joanne Little Defense Committee, was acquitted in the case of killing her jailer, Clarence Alligood, who was sexually assaulting her.

1987: Co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development

In 1987, Rosa Parks co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development with Elaine Eason Steele. The institute aimed to develop youth leaders' capabilities in advancing civil rights initiatives and offered "Pathways to Freedom" bus tours, which introduced young people to important civil rights and Underground Railroad sites throughout the country.

1990: Called for the release of Nelson Mandela

In 1990, at a Washington, D.C. gala celebrating her birthday, Rosa Parks gave a speech calling for the release of anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela.

1992: Authored "Rosa Parks: My Story"

In 1992, Rosa Parks authored the autobiographical work, "Rosa Parks: My Story".

1994: Attended meeting of National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America

In 1994, Rosa Parks attended the meeting of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America in Detroit alongside Jesse Jackson and Queen Mother Moore.

1995: Participated in Million Man March

In 1995, at the invitation of Louis Farrakhan, Rosa Parks participated in the Million Man March alongside Moore, Betty Shabazz, Dorothy Height, and Maya Angelou.

1997: Authored "Dear Mrs. Parks"

In 1997, Rosa Parks authored the autobiographical work, "Dear Mrs. Parks".

2001: Signed open letter cautioning against a "militarized response" after 9/11

Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Rosa Parks joined actor Danny Glover and activists Harry Belafonte and Gloria Steinem in signing an open letter that cautioned against a "militarized response" and advocated for international collaboration.