History of Rosa Parks in Timeline

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."

February 4, 1913: Rosa Parks' birth

On February 4, 1913, Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born. She later became a prominent American activist in the civil rights movement.

Others born on this day/year

1928: Transfer to Booker T. Washington Junior High School

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

1931: Introduction to Raymond Parks

In 1931, Rosa Parks was introduced to her future husband, Raymond Parks, by a mutual friend. Despite her initial lack of interest, Raymond eventually won her over.

December 18, 1932: Marriage to Raymond Parks

On December 18, 1932, Rosa Parks married Raymond Parks at her mother's house. Raymond was an activist who opposed racial prejudice.

1933: Completed High School

In 1933, Rosa Parks completed her high school education with encouragement from Raymond. Only 7% of Black people in Alabama held a high school diploma at the time.

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

1945: Registered to vote

In 1945, Rosa Parks successfully registered to vote after multiple attempts. She was encouraged by NAACP activist E.D. Nixon.

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.

1950: Scottsboro Boys Released

In 1950, the Scottsboro Boys, who were falsely accused of rape, were released after the Supreme Court overturned their convictions in Powell v. Alabama.

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.

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.

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.

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.

August 1955: Attended Montgomery meeting concerning the lynching of Emmett Till

In August 1955, Rosa Parks attended a Montgomery meeting concerning the lynching of Emmett Till. She was heartened by the attention the case received.

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.

1955: Student play

In the academic year of 1979/1980, Black panther school created a student play dramatizing Rosa Parks's refusal to move in 1955.

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.

December 20, 1956: Supreme Court Orders Bus Integration

On December 20, 1956, the Supreme Court ordered the integration of Montgomery's buses, following the Browder v. Gayle case. In response, Martin Luther King Jr. called off the Montgomery bus boycott, which had lasted 381 days.

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".

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.

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.

1961: Parks Moves to Virginia Park

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

1962: Parks Attends SCLC Convention

In 1962, Rosa Parks, as an honorary member of the SCLC, attended the SCLC convention in Birmingham.

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.

1963: SCLC established 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 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.

1965: Received "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 Supports Rioters

In a 1967 interview, Rosa Parks expressed her support for rioters in the Detroit riot, comparing their actions to her own during the Montgomery bus boycott.

1968: Parks Attends Black Power Conference

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

1968: Presented with Martin Luther King Jr. Award

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

1972: Parks Attends National Black Political Convention

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

1972: Received Rosa Parks Freedom Award

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

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.

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: Parks Visits Black Panther School

In 1979, Rosa Parks visited the Black Panther school in Oakland, California. She praised the school's instructors and the Black Panther Party for their work.

1979: Supersisters Trading Card

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

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.

1979: Awarded Spingarn Medal by NAACP

In 1979, the NAACP awarded Rosa Parks the Spingarn Medal, citing her "quiet courage and determination" in refusing to relinquish her seat.

1980: Recognized with NAACP's Martin Luther King Jr. Award

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

1980: Parks Visits Black Panther School

In the academic year of 1979/1980, Rosa Parks visited the Black Panther school in Oakland, California and attended a student play dramatizing her refusal to move in 1955, staying after to answer students' questions. She praised the school's instructors and the Black Panther Party for their work.

1981: Parks Supports Arrested Activists

In 1981, Rosa Parks wrote to attorney Chokwe Lumumba in support of arrested activists from various organizations, including the Black Liberation Army.

1983: Inducted into Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

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

1984: Received 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 and participated in the Free South Africa Movement.

1985: Parks Runs for NAACP Detroit Chapter President

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

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.

1988: Parks Speaks at Democratic National Convention

In 1988, Rosa Parks supported Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign again. She spoke on his behalf at the Democratic National Convention.

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.

1991: Bronze sculpture displayed at National Portrait Gallery

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

1992: Authored "Rosa Parks: My Story"

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

1992: Received Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award

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

1993: Inducted into National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1993, Rosa Parks was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, with her statue being displayed in the National Statuary Hall.

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.

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.

1996: Received Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1996, Rosa Parks received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Bill Clinton, the highest award a civilian can receive from the United States executive branch.

1997: Michigan designated February 4 as Rosa Parks Day

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

1997: Authored "Dear Mrs. Parks"

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

1998: Filed lawsuit against Outkast

In 1998, Rosa Parks filed a $5 billion lawsuit against American hip-hop duo Outkast and their record company claiming that the duo's song "Rosa Parks", released on their 1998 album Aquemini, used her name without permission, harming her reputation.

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1999: Filmed cameo appearance for 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: Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

In 1999, Rosa Parks was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal with unanimous Senate approval despite opposition in the House from Representative Ron Paul. Also in 1999, she was honored with the Windsor–Detroit International Freedom Festival Freedom Award, and Time named her one of the 20 most influential figures of the 20th century.

2000: Received Alabama Governor’s Medal of Honor and Alabama Academy Award

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

2000: Troy University opened the Rosa Parks Library and Museum

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

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.

2001: Character played by Iris Little-Thomas in 'Boycott'

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

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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.

2002: Subject of 'The Rosa Parks Story'

In 2002, Rosa Parks was the subject of the biopic The Rosa Parks Story, directed by Julie Dash, where she was played by Angela Bassett.

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2002: Apartment placed on the National Register of Historic Places

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

2002: Film Barbershop caused controversy

In 2002, the film Barbershop, directed by Tim Story, garnered controversy due to its inclusion of a scene discussing Rosa Parks's actions, where a character downplayed her role in the civil rights movement.

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2003: Parks boycotted NAACP Image Awards ceremony

In 2003, Rosa Parks herself boycotted the NAACP Image Awards ceremony, which Cedric the Entertainer hosted, due to controversy surrounding his portrayal of her legacy in the movie 'Barbershop'.

2003: Received International Institute Heritage Hall of Fame Award

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

2003: Bus where Parks refused to move was restored

In 2003, the bus where 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: Filed another suit

In 2004, after a federal court dismissed the lawsuit, Rosa Parks filed another suit against BMG Rights Management, Arista Records, and LaFace Records regarding the use of her name in the song "Rosa Parks" by Outkast.

2004: Back rent forgiven, allowed to live rent-free

In 2004, executives of the ownership company announced they had forgiven the back rent and would allow Rosa Parks, by then 91 and in extremely poor health, to live rent-free in the building for the remainder of her life. Several of Parks's family members alleged that her financial affairs had been mismanaged.

October 24, 2005: Rosa Parks' death

On October 24, 2005, Rosa Parks passed away. She was an American activist in the civil rights movement, most known for her role in the Montgomery bus boycott.

October 29, 2005: Senate approves resolution allowing Parks's remains to lie in state

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

2005: President Bush authorized a statue of Parks to be placed in the National Statuary Hall

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

2005: Settlement reached in lawsuit against Outkast

In 2005, a settlement was reached in the lawsuit between Rosa Parks and Outkast/BMG. Outkast and BMG agreed to pursue projects that would "enlighten today’s youth about the significant role Rosa Parks played in making America a better place for all races" without admitting liability.

2006: Hempstead Transit Center renamed in Parks's honor

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 Parks's honor.

2009: Rosa Parks Station named in Los Angeles and Transit Center opened in Detroit

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 at the intersection of Cass and Michigan avenues.

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

On February 4, 2013, Obama proclaimed February 4 as the "100th Anniversary of the Birth of Rosa Parks", calling "upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and education programs to honor Rosa Parks's enduring legacy". The Henry Ford museum designated February 4, 2013, as a "National Day of Courage". Also on February 4, the United States Postal Service unveiled a postage stamp in Parks's honor.

Others born on this day/year

2013: Statue of Rosa Parks unveiled in National Statuary Hall

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

2014: Statue dedicated at Essex Government Complex in Newark, New Jersey

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, France

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

2015: Theoharis publishes "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks"

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

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

Check it on Amazon

2016: Gary Tyler Freed After 41 Years

In 2016, Gary Tyler, whom Rosa Parks advocated for, was freed after spending 41 years in prison for a wrongful conviction.

2016: Former residence in Detroit threatened with demolition

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

2018: Former residence moved back to US and sculpture unveiled at Georgia Tech

In 2018, Rosa Parks's former residence was moved back to the United States, and Continuing the Conversation, a public sculpture of Parks, was unveiled on the main campus of Georgia Tech.

2018: Episode of Doctor Who centered on Parks

In 2018, the episode "Rosa" of the science-fiction television series Doctor Who, centered on Rosa Parks, as portrayed by Vinette Robinson. The episode was received positively.

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2019: Barbie Doll Release

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: Nicki Minaj received backlash for Rosa Parks lyric

In 2020, Rapper Nicki Minaj received backlash online for incorporating Rosa Parks into her 2020 song "Yikes", where she rapped, "All you bitches Rosa Park, uh-oh, get your ass up". Journalist Ernest Owens criticized the lyric for its inaccurate portrayal of Parks's actions.

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2021: Bust added to Oval Office

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

2022: Documentary The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks released on Peacock

In 2022, the documentary The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, the first full-length documentary about Parks, was released on Peacock. The documentary, directed by Johanna Hamilton and Yoruba Richen, was inspired by Theoharis's biography of the same name.