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. In 1955, her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, led to her arrest and sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This boycott, a major event in the Civil Rights Movement, lasted over a year and ultimately led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on buses was unconstitutional. Parks' courageous act and subsequent activism made her an icon and earned her the title of 'mother of the civil rights movement'.

Sections (6)

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

1933: Completed High School

In 1933, with Raymond's encouragement, Rosa Parks completed her high school education, a rare achievement for Black people in Alabama at the time.

1945: Registered to Vote

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

December 5, 1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott Trial and Planning

On December 5, 1955, the day of Rosa Parks's trial, the Women's Political Council (WPC) planned a one-day boycott of Montgomery buses. This was after Rosa Parks's arrest, and her subsequent consultation with her family, who approved the decision despite concerns about potential violent retaliation. Attorney Fred Gray agreed to represent Parks in court. The WPC, led by Jo Ann Robinson, produced 35,000 leaflets announcing the boycott.

1955: Refusal to Move on Bus

In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, violating segregation laws. This action sparked the Montgomery bus boycott.

1955: Arrest and Bus Boycott

In 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus, leading to a widespread boycott organized by the Women's Political Council. The boycott lasted 381 days until bus segregation was deemed unconstitutional.

December 20, 1956: Supreme Court Orders Bus Integration

On December 20, 1956, after the Supreme Court upheld the district court's ruling and rejected appeals, the integration of Montgomery's buses was ordered. As a result, Martin Luther King Jr. called off the Montgomery bus boycott, which had lasted 381 days.

1965: Receiving the "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: Receiving the Martin Luther King Jr. Award

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

1972: Receiving the Rosa Parks Freedom Award

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

1979: Receiving the Spingarn Medal

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

1980: Receiving the Martin Luther King Jr. Award from the NAACP

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

1983: Induction into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

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

1984: Receiving the Candace Award

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

1992: Receiving the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award

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

1993: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

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

1996: Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

1999: Receiving the 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: Receiving Alabama awards

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

2003: Receiving the International Institute Heritage Hall of Fame Award

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

2004: Landlord forgiving back rent

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

October 29, 2005: Approval of resolution allowing remains to lie in state

On October 29, 2005, Concurrent Resolution 61 was approved, allowing Rosa Parks's remains to lie in state at the United States Capitol rotunda.

2005: Memorial Services and Honors

After her death in 2005, Rosa Parks was honored with public viewings and memorial services in multiple cities, including lying in state at the United States Capitol rotunda. She also received numerous awards and honors.

2005: Authorization of Parks statue in National Statuary Hall

In 2005, after Rosa Parks's death, President Bush signed H.R. 4145, authorizing a statue of Parks to be placed in the National Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol.

2013: Unveiling of statue in National Statuary Hall

In 2013, a statue of Rosa Parks was unveiled in the National Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol, with President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner in attendance.