Rosa Parks's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of 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.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

1980: NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Award

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

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.

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.

1996: Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

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.

2003: International Institute Heritage Hall of Fame Award

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

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.

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.

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.