History of Rosa Parks in Timeline

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Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. Her courageous refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955, in violation of discriminatory Jim Crow laws, ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This event became a landmark protest against racial segregation and propelled Parks to national prominence as an icon of resistance and a symbol of the struggle for racial equality. Often referred to as the 'mother of the civil rights movement', she dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality.

1900: Montgomery Segregates Streetcars; Boycotts Begin

In 1900, Montgomery passed a city ordinance segregating streetcar passengers by race, leading to boycotts between 1900 and 1902. These boycotts resulted in an amendment but drivers often failed to follow the ordinance.

1901: Jim Crow Segregation Codified in Alabama

In 1901, Alabama formally codified Jim Crow segregation into law at a state constitutional convention, enforcing racial separation in nearly all aspects of life.

1902: Montgomery Segregates Streetcars; Boycotts Begin

In 1902, Montgomery was still under segregationist policies that started in 1900, there were boycotts during this time.

February 4, 1913: Rosa Parks Born

On February 4, 1913, Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born. She would later become an American civil rights activist, remembered for her role in the Montgomery bus boycott.

Others born on this day/year

1928: Parks Transfers to Booker T. Washington Junior High School

In 1928, Rosa Parks transferred to Booker T. Washington Junior High School after the Montgomery Industrial School for Girls closed.

1931: Rosa Meets Raymond Parks

In 1931, Rosa Parks was introduced to her future husband, Raymond Parks. He persuaded her to ride with him in his car.

December 18, 1932: Rosa Parks Marries Raymond Parks

On December 18, 1932, Rosa Parks married Raymond Parks at her mother's house.

1933: Parks Completes High School

In 1933, Rosa Parks completed her high school education with encouragement from Raymond. Subsequently, she worked as a nurse's aide and sewed to supplement her income.

1940: Black Voter Registration Obstacles

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

1941: Parks Begins Working at Maxwell Air Force Base

In 1941, Rosa Parks began working at Maxwell Air Force Base. The base's integrated environment contrasted sharply with the segregated buses she had to use when returning home.

December 1943: Parks Elected Secretary of NAACP Chapter

In December 1943, Rosa Parks was elected secretary of the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

1943: Parks Joins NAACP

In 1943, Rosa Parks joined the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and began serving as the organization's secretary.

1943: Parks Confronted by Bus Driver James F. Blake

In 1943, Rosa Parks was confronted by bus driver James F. Blake when she tried to take her seat from the front of the bus, resulting in her exiting the bus without re-boarding.

1944: Viola White Arrested on Bus

In 1944, Viola White was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus.

1944: Parks Investigates Recy Taylor Case

In 1944, as secretary, Rosa Parks began investigating the gang rape of Recy Taylor, a Black woman from Abbeville. She organized "The Committee for Equal Justice for Mrs. Recy Taylor" after a grand jury declined to indict the perpetrators.

1945: Parks Successfully Registers to Vote

In 1945, after multiple attempts since 1943, Rosa Parks finally succeeded in registering to vote, encouraged by NAACP activist E. D. Nixon.

1945: Failed Indictments in Recy Taylor Case

In 1945, despite pressure from Parks' campaign, the state failed to secure indictments for the assailants in the Recy Taylor case after a second grand jury hearing.

1949: Mary Wingfield Arrested on Bus

In 1949, Mary Wingfield was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus.

1952: Parks Organizes Support for Jeremiah Reeves

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

October 1954: Mary Louise Smith Arrested on Bus

In October 1954, teenager Mary Louise Smith was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus.

1954: Parks Works for the Durrs

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

March 1955: Claudette Colvin Arrested on Bus

In March 1955, Claudette Colvin, a fifteen-year-old student was also arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus.

April 29, 1955: Aurelia Browder Arrested on Bus

On April 29, 1955, Aurelia Browder was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus.

August 1955: Parks Attends Montgomery Meeting Concerning Emmett Till

In August 1955, Rosa Parks attended a Montgomery meeting concerning the lynching of Emmett Till, heartened by the attention the case managed to get.

October 21, 1955: Susie McDonald Arrested on Bus

On October 21, 1955, Susie McDonald was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus.

December 1, 1955: Parks Boards Bus, Leading to Arrest

On December 1, 1955, at around 5:30 p.m., Rosa Parks boarded a bus after purchasing items from Lee's Cut-Rate Drug. She sat in the middle section of the bus, unaware that James F. Blake was the driver. This led to her arrest for refusing to give up her seat.

December 5, 1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott Planning and Parks's Trial

On December 5, 1955, the day of Rosa Parks's trial, the Women's Political Council (WPC) initiated a one-day boycott of Montgomery buses. The WPC, led by Jo Ann Robinson, produced 35,000 leaflets announcing the boycott. Attorney Fred Gray agreed to represent Parks, after Nixon conferred with Clifford Durr about the possibility of adopting Parks's arrest as a test case.

December 1955: Prior Arrests Before Parks

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

1955: Parks's Refusal to Move

During the 1979/1980 academic year, during Parks's visit to the Black Panther school in Oakland, California, she attended a student play dramatizing her refusal to move in 1955, staying after to answer the students' questions.

1955: Parks Refuses to Give Up Bus Seat

In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move from her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, defying Jim Crow segregation laws. This act sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement.

1955: Parks Arrested for Bus Incident; Boycott Begins

In 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. The Women's Political Council organized a one-day bus boycott on the day of her trial, which then extended indefinitely. The Montgomery Improvement Association organized its own transportation network. The boycott lasted 381 days until segregation on buses was deemed unconstitutional in Browder v. Gayle.

January 1956: Parks Fired, Boycott Continues

In January 1956, Rosa Parks was terminated from her seamstress job at Montgomery Fair due to her involvement in the bus boycott. A week later, her husband, Raymond, was also terminated from his job at Maxwell Air Force Base. Montgomery Police Commissioner Clyde Sellers initiated a "Get Tough" policy, harassing Black pedestrians and boycott participants. Boycott organizers, including Parks, received regular death threats.

February 1956: MIA Relief Fund and Health Issues

In February 1956, King requested a $250-$300 disbursement for Parks from the MIA relief fund due to financial hardship after being terminated from their jobs, which was authorized. Parks developed severe health problems, including chronic insomnia, stomach ulcers, and a heart condition.

December 20, 1956: Supreme Court Orders Bus Integration, Boycott Ends

On December 20, 1956, the Supreme Court ordered the integration of Montgomery's buses, following the Browder v. Gayle ruling. King called off the boycott that day, 381 days after it began.

1956: Lawsuit Filed After Arrests

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

August 1957: Parks Moves to Detroit

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

October 1957: Parks Briefly Works at Holly Tree Inn

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

1957: Execution of Jeremiah Reeves

In 1957, Jeremiah Reeves, who was supported by Rosa Parks, was executed.

1957: Parks Moves to Detroit

In 1957, Rosa Parks relocated to Detroit, Michigan, due to financial hardship and health problems resulting from her participation in the Montgomery bus boycott. She continued her advocacy for civil rights.

1959: Parks Family 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 Suffers Health Problems and Incurs Debt

In 1960, Rosa Parks's health further deteriorated, necessitating multiple surgeries, and she and her family incurred significant debt due to unpaid medical bills.

1961: Parks Finds Employment, Family Moves

In 1961, after her health improved and she found employment at Stockton Sewing Company, Rosa Parks and her family moved to Detroit's Virginia Park neighborhood. Raymond also secured employment at a local barber shop.

1962: Parks Attends SCLC Convention

In 1962, Rosa Parks attended the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) convention in Birmingham, Alabama.

August 1963: Parks Participates in March on Washington

In August 1963, Rosa Parks traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in the March on Washington, where she was honored alongside other prominent women in the civil rights struggle.

1963: SCLC Establishes Rosa Parks Freedom Award

In 1963, the SCLC established the Rosa Parks Freedom Award in honor of her contributions to the civil rights movement.

1964: Parks Works on Conyers's Congressional Campaign

In 1964, Rosa Parks played a critical role in John Conyers's congressional campaign, persuading King to endorse him. After Conyers was elected, he hired her as a secretary and receptionist for his congressional office in Detroit.

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.

1965: "Dignity Overdue" Award

In 1965, Rosa Parks received the "Dignity Overdue" award from the Afro-American Broadcasting Company and was honored at a ceremony held at the Ford Auditorium in Detroit.

1967: Parks Expresses Beliefs on Gradualism

In a 1967 interview, Rosa Parks stated that she did not believe in gradualism.

1968: Parks Attends Philadelphia Black Power Conference

In 1968, Rosa Parks took part in the Black power movement, attending the Philadelphia Black power conference.

1968: Martin Luther King Jr. Award

In 1968, Rosa Parks was presented with the Martin Luther King Jr. Award by the Capitol Press Club.

1972: Parks Attends National Black Political Convention

In 1972, Rosa Parks continued to support the Black power movement, attending the National Black Political Convention in Gary, Indiana.

1972: Rosa Parks Receives Rosa Parks Freedom Award

In 1972, Rosa Parks received the Rosa Parks Freedom Award from the SCLC.

July 1975: Little Acquitted Following Defense Committee Support

In July 1975, Joanne Little was acquitted following national outcry around her case, after Parks played a key role in the establishment of the Detroit chapter of the Joanne Little Defense Committee.

1976: Detroit's 12th Street Renamed

In 1976, Detroit's 12th street was renamed "Rosa Parks Boulevard" at the behest of her friend Louise Tappes.

1977: Death of Raymond Parks

In 1977, Raymond Parks, Rosa's husband, died of throat cancer.

1979: NAACP Spingarn Medal

In 1979, Rosa Parks was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP, recognizing her "quiet courage and determination" in refusing to relinquish her seat on the bus.

1979: Supersisters Trading Card

In 1979, Rosa Parks was featured on one of the cards in the Supersisters trading card set, as card no. 27.

1979: Death of Rosa Parks's Mother

In 1979, Rosa Parks's mother died.

1979: Parks Visits Black Panther School

In the academic year of 1979/1980, Rosa Parks visited the Black Panther school in Oakland, California.

1980: NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Award

In 1980, the NAACP further recognized Rosa Parks with their own Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

1981: Parks Supports Arrested Activists

In 1981, Rosa Parks wrote to attorney Chokwe Lumumba in support of arrested activists from the Black Liberation Army, the May 19th Communist Organization, the RNA, and Weather Underground.

1983: Induction into Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

In 1983, Rosa Parks was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.

1984: Candace Award

In 1984, Rosa Parks received the Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

1984: Parks Supports Jesse Jackson's Presidential Campaign

In 1984, Rosa Parks supported Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign.

1985: Unsuccessful NAACP Detroit Chapter Run

In 1985, Rosa Parks and Joe Madison unsuccessfully ran for president and vice president of the NAACP's Detroit chapter.

1987: Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute Founded

In 1987, Rosa Parks co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development with Elaine Eason Steele.

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

In 1987, Rosa Parks, along with Elaine Eason Steele, co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. The institute was created with the purpose of enhancing youth leaders' capabilities in advancing civil rights initiatives. The institute also conducts "Pathways to Freedom" bus tours that introduce young people to significant civil rights and Underground Railroad locations throughout the country.

1988: Parks Supports Jesse Jackson's Presidential Campaign Again

In 1988, Rosa Parks supported Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign for a second time. Speaking on his behalf at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.

1990: Parks calls for Nelson Mandela's release

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.

1991: Bronze Sculpture Displayed at National Portrait Gallery

In 1991, a bronze sculpture of Rosa Parks was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

1992: Rosa Parks: My Story Publication

In 1992, Rosa Parks authored her autobiographical work, titled Rosa Parks: My Story.

Rosa Parks: My Story
Rosa Parks: My Story

1992: Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award

In 1992, Rosa Parks received the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award.

1993: Induction into National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1993, Rosa Parks was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

August 30, 1994: Robbery and Assault in her home

On August 30, 1994, at the age of 81, Rosa Parks was robbed and assaulted in her home by Joseph Skipper, who broke in claiming to have deterred an intruder and demanding money. He punched her in the face and eventually took $103 before Parks was able to call for help.

1994: Attendance at National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America meeting

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

1995: Participation in Million Man March

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

1996: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1996, Rosa Parks received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Bill Clinton.

1997: Michigan Designated Rosa Parks Day

In 1997, Michigan designated February 4 as Rosa Parks Day.

1997: Dear Mrs. Parks Publication

In 1997, Rosa Parks authored her autobiographical work, titled Dear Mrs. Parks.

Dear Mrs. Parks: A Dialogue with Today's Youth
Dear Mrs. Parks: A Dialogue with Today's Youth

1999: $5 Billion Lawsuit Filed Against Outkast

In 1999, Rosa Parks filed a $5 billion lawsuit against hip-hop duo Outkast and their record company, claiming their 1998 song "Rosa Parks" used her name without permission and harmed her reputation.

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1999: Cameo Appearance on Touched by an Angel

In 1999, Rosa Parks filmed a cameo appearance for the television series Touched by an Angel.

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1999: Congressional Gold Medal and Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival Freedom Award

In 1999, Rosa Parks was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and was honored with the Windsor–Detroit International Freedom Festival Freedom Award. Time also named her one of the 20 most influential figures of the 20th century.

2000: Alabama Awards

In 2000, Rosa Parks received both the Alabama Governor's Medal of Honor and the Alabama Academy Award.

2000: Rosa Parks Library and Museum Opened

In 2000, Troy University opened the Rosa Parks Library and Museum at the site of Parks's arrest with a cost of $10 million.

2001: Boycott Film

In 2001, Iris Little-Thomas portrayed Rosa Parks in the film Boycott, directed by Clark Johnson.

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2001: Open letter against military response

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

2002: The Rosa Parks Story Biopic

In 2002, Angela Bassett portrayed Rosa Parks in the biopic The Rosa Parks Story, directed by Julie Dash.

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2002: Eviction Notice

In 2002, Rosa Parks received an eviction notice from her apartment for non-payment of rent, due to her age-related decline which made her incapable of managing her own financial affairs.

2002: Parks's Apartment Placed on National Register of Historic Places

In 2002, Rosa Parks's apartment in Montgomery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2002: Barbershop Film Controversy

In 2002, the film Barbershop caused controversy due to a scene where Eddie, played by Cedric the Entertainer, downplayed Rosa Parks's role in the civil rights movement. This led to criticism and a boycott call.

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2003: Boycott of NAACP Image Awards

In 2003, Rosa Parks boycotted the NAACP Image Awards ceremony, which Cedric the Entertainer hosted, due to the controversy surrounding his role in the film Barbershop.

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2003: International Institute Heritage Hall of Fame Award

In 2003, Rosa Parks received the International Institute Heritage Hall of Fame Award.

2003: Bus Placed on Display at The Henry Ford museum

In 2003, the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to move was restored with funding from the Save America's Treasures program and placed on display at The Henry Ford museum.

2004: Landlord Forgives Rent

In 2004, after Rosa Parks's impending eviction was publicized, her landlord forgave the back rent and allowed her, then 91 and in extremely poor health, to live rent-free in the building for the remainder of her life.

2004: Second Lawsuit Filed

In 2004, after the initial lawsuit was dismissed, Rosa Parks filed another suit against BMG Rights Management, Arista Records, and LaFace Records related to the song "Rosa Parks" by Outkast.

October 24, 2005: Rosa Parks Dies

On October 24, 2005, Rosa Parks passed away. Her legacy as the "mother of the civil rights movement" remains.

October 29, 2005: Approval for Parks's Remains to Lie in State

On October 29, 2005, Concurrent Resolution 61, introduced by Representative Conyers, received approval, allowing Rosa Parks's remains to lie in state at the United States Capitol rotunda from October 30 to October 31.

2005: Memorial Services for Rosa Parks

After Rosa Parks' death in 2005, public viewings and memorial services were held in Montgomery, Washington, D.C., where she lay in state at the United States Capitol rotunda, and Detroit, where she was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery.

2005: Authorization for Statue in National Statuary Hall

In 2005, President Bush signed H.R. 4145, authorizing a statue of Rosa Parks to be placed in the National Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol, making her the first Black American to receive this honor.

2005: Settlement Reached

In 2005, a settlement was reached in the lawsuit over Outkast's song "Rosa Parks," with Outkast and BMG agreeing to pursue projects that would educate youth about Rosa Parks's role in the civil rights movement. The role of Steele and Parks's attorney in the proceedings faced scrutiny.

2006: Hempstead Transit Center Renamed

In 2006, Nassau County, New York County Executive Tom Suozzi announced that the Hempstead Transit Center would be renamed the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center in honor of Rosa Parks.

2009: Rosa Parks Station and Transit Center Named

In 2009, The Portland Boulevard station of the Los Angeles County MetroRail system was officially named Rosa Parks Station, and the Rosa Parks Transit Center opened in downtown Detroit.

2010: Asteroid Named in Parks's Memory

In 2010, the asteroid 284996 Rosaparks, discovered by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, was named in Rosa Parks's memory.

February 4, 2013: "100th Anniversary of the Birth of Rosa Parks" Proclamation and Postage Stamp Unveiling

On February 4, 2013, Obama proclaimed the day as the "100th Anniversary of the Birth of Rosa Parks", calling for Americans to honor her legacy. The Henry Ford Museum designated the day as a "National Day of Courage," and the United States Postal Service unveiled a postage stamp in Parks's honor.

Others born on this day/year

2013: Unveiling of Statue in National Statuary Hall

In 2013, a statue of Rosa Parks sculpted by Eugene Daub and Rob Firmin, depicting her on the day of her arrest, was unveiled in the National Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol, with President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner in attendance.

2014: Statue Dedicated at Essex Government Complex

In 2014, a statue of Rosa Parks was dedicated at the Essex Government Complex in Newark, New Jersey.

2015: Rosa Parks Station Opened in Paris

In 2015, Rosa Parks station opened in Paris, France.

2015: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Biography Published

In 2015, Theoharis's biography The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks was published, arguing that the popular narrative of Rosa Parks as a "quiet" figure obscures her lifelong radical activism.

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks
The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

January 4, 2016: Lawsuit Review: Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute vs. Target

On January 4, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reviewed a lawsuit by the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development against Target, alleging that Target infringed on Rosa Parks's rights by selling merchandise using her name. The court ruled that the use of Rosa Parks's name and likeness in the books, movie, and plaque was necessary for chronicling the Civil Rights Movement, permitting Target to sell the items.

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2016: Tyler Freed After Wrongful Conviction

In 2016, Gary Tyler was ultimately freed, after 41 years in prison, as Rosa Parks advocated for Gary Tyler, who was wrongfully convicted of shooting of a 13-year-old white boy while being attacked by a group of white segregationists.

2016: Parks's Former Residence Moved to Germany for Restoration

In 2016, Rosa Parks's former residence in Detroit was threatened with demolition, leading American artist Ryan Mendoza to have the house disassembled, moved to his garden in Germany, and partly restored and converted into a museum honoring Parks.

2018: Public sculpture unveiled and house returned to the United States

In 2018, Continuing the Conversation, a public sculpture of Rosa Parks, was unveiled on the main campus of Georgia Tech, and Rosa Parks's former residence, after being moved to Germany in 2016, was moved back to the United States and eventually exhibited at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

2018: "Rosa" Episode of Doctor Who

In 2018, the "Rosa" episode of Doctor Who, featuring Vinette Robinson as Rosa Parks, aired and received positive reviews for its portrayal of Parks.

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2019: Barbie Doll Released

In 2019, Mattel released a Barbie doll in Rosa Parks's likeness as part of their "Inspiring Women" series.

2019: Statue Unveiled in Montgomery

In 2019, another statue of Rosa Parks was unveiled in Montgomery.

2020: Backlash for Nicki Minaj's "Yikes" Lyric

In 2020, Nicki Minaj received backlash for incorporating Rosa Parks into her song "Yikes", with lyrics that were criticized for their inaccurate portrayal of Parks's actions.

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2021: Bust Added to the Oval Office

In 2021, a bust of Rosa Parks was added to the Oval Office when Joe Biden began his presidency.

2022: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Documentary Released

In 2022, the documentary The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, inspired by Theoharis's biography, was released on Peacock.

2023: Statue Approved for Alabama State Capitol Grounds

In 2023, a statue of Rosa Parks was approved for the Alabama State Capitol grounds.

2024: Equivalent Value of Fine

In 2024, the $10 fine plus $4 in court fees levied against Rosa Parks in 1955 is equivalent to $164.