Rosa Parks's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Rosa Parks.

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

1945: Registered to vote

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: Received Rosa Parks Freedom Award

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

1979: Supersisters Trading Card

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2003: Received International Institute Heritage Hall of Fame Award

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

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 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.

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.