Challenges Faced by Rosa Parks: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rosa Parks. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1900: Montgomery Segregated Buses

In 1900, Montgomery passed a city ordinance segregating bus passengers by race, before statewide segregation was implemented. Black residents protested these policies.

1901: Jim Crow Laws Codified

In 1901, Alabama formally codified Jim Crow segregation into law at a constitutional convention, enforcing racial separation in nearly all aspects of life. This included financial institutions, healthcare, religious facilities, burial grounds, and public transportation.

1902: Montgomery Bus Boycotts Amendment

In 1902, Montgomery's Black residents conducted boycotts against segregated streetcars between 1900 and 1902. The boycotts resulted in an amendment to the city ordinance that "no rider had to surrender a seat unless another was available."

1940: Low Black Voter Registration

As of 1940, less than 0.1% of Black Montgomerians were registered to vote due to various obstacles, including poll taxes, literacy tests, and employer retaliation.

1943: Confrontation with James F. Blake on Bus

In 1943, Rosa Parks had an encounter with bus driver James F. Blake. He demanded that she re-board the bus from the back after she had already taken a seat. Parks refused and moved to the front, leading to a confrontation where Blake threatened her before she exited the bus.

1944: Viola White Arrested

In 1944, Maxwell Air Force Base employee Viola White was arrested for declining to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Several similar arrests happened around this time.

1945: Second Grand Jury Hearing in Recy Taylor Case

In 1945, a second grand jury hearing in the Recy Taylor case failed to secure indictments for the assailants, despite the campaign for justice organized by Rosa Parks and other activists.

1949: Mary Wingfield Arrested

In 1949, Mary Wingfield was arrested for declining to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, contributing to a series of similar acts of resistance.

October 1954: Mary Louise Smith Arrested

In October 1954, teenager Mary Louise Smith was arrested for declining to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Black activists considered her case for a community bus boycott.

March 1955: Claudette Colvin Arrested

In March 1955, Claudette Colvin, a fifteen-year-old student, was arrested for declining to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. She was considered as a test case for a community bus boycott.

April 29, 1955: Aurelia Browder Arrested

On April 29, 1955, Aurelia Browder was arrested for declining to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Her case, along with others, led to the Browder v. Gayle lawsuit in 1956.

October 21, 1955: Susie McDonald Arrested

On October 21, 1955, Susie McDonald was arrested for declining to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Her arrest contributed to the legal challenges against bus segregation.

December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks' Arrest on the Bus

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks left work and purchased items from Lee’s Cut-Rate Drug before boarding a bus around 5:30 p.m. She sat in the middle section of the bus, unaware that James F. Blake was the driver.

December 5, 1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott Trial

On December 5, 1955, the day of Rosa Parks's trial, the Women's Political Council (WPC) organized a one-day boycott of Montgomery buses. Parks pleaded "not guilty" in the trial. She was found guilty of violating state law and fined $10 plus $4 in court fees. Attorney Fred Gray immediately filed an appeal.

December 1955: Before Rosa Parks' Arrest

Before December 1955, several individuals, including Viola White, Mary Wingfield, Mary Louise Smith, Claudette Colvin, Aurelia Browder, and Susie McDonald, were arrested for refusing to give up their seats on Montgomery buses.

1955: Arrest and Bus Boycott

In 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. This event sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, during which Parks and other leaders faced harassment and legal challenges. The boycott ended after 381 days when segregation on Montgomery buses was ruled unconstitutional.

January 1956: Parks Fired and Boycott Continues

In January 1956, Rosa Parks was terminated from her job at Montgomery Fair for her role in the bus boycott. Her husband, Raymond, was also terminated from his job at Maxwell Air Force Base a week later. The boycott continued despite harassment from Montgomery police and death threats to boycott organizers.

February 1956: Financial Hardship and Health Problems

In February 1956, Rosa and Raymond Parks faced financial difficulties, and King requested a disbursement from the MIA relief fund for Parks. Parks also began experiencing severe health problems, including chronic insomnia, stomach ulcers, and a heart condition.

1956: Browder v. Gayle Lawsuit

In 1956, Mary Louise Smith, Claudette Colvin, Aurelia Browder, and Susie McDonald were the plaintiffs in the Browder v. Gayle lawsuit, which challenged bus segregation in Montgomery.

August 1957: Parks Moves to Detroit

In August 1957, due to economic insecurity, safety threats, and divisions within the MIA leadership, Rosa Parks left Montgomery and moved to Detroit, where her brother and cousins lived. The MIA raised $500 for her as a "going-away present".

1957: Execution of Jeremiah Reeves

In 1957, Jeremiah Reeves, whom Rosa Parks had supported, was executed after being accused of raping a white woman.

1959: Parks Loses Apartment

In 1959, Rosa Parks and her family lost their apartment and moved into a meeting hall for the Progressive Civic League (PCL).

1960: Parks's Health Deteriorates

In 1960, Rosa Parks's health deteriorated, leading to multiple surgeries and significant debt from unpaid medical bills. She received donations from the MIA and PCL.

1977: Death of Raymond Parks

In 1977, Rosa Parks's husband, Raymond, died of throat cancer, which caused her to become more removed from the civil rights movement.

1979: Death of Rosa Parks's Mother

In 1979, Rosa Parks's mother died. Before her death, Rosa Parks relocated her to a retirement facility, then to a senior living apartment where they lived together.

August 30, 1994: Robbed and assailed in her home

On August 30, 1994, at age 81, Rosa Parks was robbed and assaulted in her home by Joseph Skipper, who broke in and demanded money before punching her in the face. He stole $103 before she was able to call for help.

2002: Received eviction notice from apartment

In 2002, Rosa Parks received an eviction notice from her $1,800 per month apartment for non-payment of rent due to age-related physical and mental decline.