Rosa Parks Day
February 4, Sunday
California, Missouri
December 1, Sunday
Ohio, Oregon, Texas
Rosa Parks Day is a day dedicated to the memory of Rosa Parks, an African-American activist who became an icon of the civil rights movement in the United States. The day is observed in some states, most notably California and Michigan, and honors her contributions to the fight against racial discrimination. Rosa Parks Day is observed on December 1, the day in 1955 that she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama.History and Significance
Context: On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a seamstress, boarded a bus in Montgomery and was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. This act of defiance became the catalyst for the Montgomery bus boycott, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Montgomery Boycott lasted for over a year and became a major event in the civil rights movement, leading to the desegregation of city buses and inspiring other protests across the country.
Rosa Parks became a symbol of resilience and resistance to racial oppression. Her actions helped galvanize the civil rights movement and change public opinion about racial discrimination in the United States.
Traditions and Events
Educational Programs: Schools and universities hold events dedicated to the life and contributions of Rosa Parks. These may include lectures, exhibits, and discussions.
Remembrance: People mark the day by remembering the significance of her actions and the changes they brought about. This can be done by reading her biography, watching documentaries, and participating in events aimed at combating racism and discrimination.
Rosa Parks Day in other years
- 2021 February 4, Thursday
- 2021 December 1, Wednesday
- 2022 February 4, Friday
- 2022 December 1, Thursday
- 2023 February 4, Saturday
- 2023 December 1, Friday
- 2025 February 4, Tuesday
- 2025 December 1, Monday