Description:

Rosa Parks
n.p., n.d.
Rosa Parks Signed Biographical Sketch "Her quiet, courageous act changed America, its view of black people and redirected the course of history."

Printed biographical sketch detailing the life of Rosa Parks, one page, and boldly signed in the upper left corner in blue ballpoint as "Rosa L. Parks." In fine condition, dated in pencil on verso January 7, 1991, boldly signed. The signed biography measures 8.5" x 11."

The biography reads:

"ROSA LOUISE PARKS is nationally recognized as the "Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement" in America. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white male passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, December 1, 1955, triggered a wave of protest December 5, 1955, that reverberated throughout the United States. Her quiet, courageous act changed America, its view of black people and redirected the course of history.

Mrs. Parks was born Rosa Louise McCauley, February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama. She was the first child of James and Leona Edwards McCauley. Her brother, Sylvester McCauley, now deceased, was born August 20, 1915. Later, the family moved to Pine Level, Alabama where Rosa was reared and educated in the rural school.

When she completed her education in Pine Level at age eleven, her mother, Leona, enrolled her in Montgomery Industrial School for Girls (Miss White's School for Girls), a private institution. After finishing Miss White's School, she went on to Alabama State Teacher's College High School. However, she was unable to graduate with her class because of the illness of her grandmother Rose Edwards and later her death.

As Rosa prepared to return to Alabama State, her mother also became ill. Therefore, she continued to take care of their home and care for her mother while her brother Sylvester worked outside of the home. Rosa received her high school diploma in 1934, after her marriage to Raymond Parks, December 18, 1932.

Raymond, now deceased, was born in Wedowee, Alabama, Randolph County, February 12, 1903, received little formal education due to racial segregation. He was a self-educated person with the assistance of his mother, Geri Parks. His immaculate dress and thorough knowledge of domestic affairs and current events made him one of the best-dressed men and best barbers in his profession. Raymond's desire was that Mrs. Parks would continue her formal education. He supported and encouraged Rosa's desire to complete her formal education.

Mr. Parks was an early activist in the effort to free the "Scottsboro Boys," a celebrated case in the 1930's. Together, Raymond and Rosa worked in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP's) programs. He was an active member and she served as secretary and later youth leader of the local branch. At the time of her arrest, she was preparing for a major youth conference.

After the arrest of Rosa Parks, black people of Montgomery and sympathizers of other races organized and promoted a boycott of the city bus line that lasted 381 days. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was appointed the spokesperson for the Bus Boycott and taught non-violence to all participants. Contingent with the protest in Montgomery, protest took shape throughout the south and the country. They took form as sit-ins, eat-ins, swim-ins and similar causes. Thousands of courageous people joined the "protest" to demand equal rights for all people.

Since 1965, Mrs. Parks has been employed by Congressman John Conyers, First Congressional District of Michigan. In February, 1987 she began the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. The purpose is to motivate and direct the "average" young people not targeted by other programs to achieve their highest potential. Rosa Parks sees the energy of young people as a real force for change. It is among her most treasured themes of human priorities as she speaks to young people of all ages at schools, colleges and national organizations around the country.

Mrs. Parks has received ten honorary doctorate degrees, hundreds of plaques, certificates, citations, awards and keys to several cities. Among them are the NAACP's Spingarn Medal, the UAW's Social Justice Award, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Non-Violent Peace Prize and most recently in May of 1987, the Roger Joseph Prize with a cash award of ten thousand dollars, from the Hebrew Union College.

A quiet exemplification of courage, dignity and determination; Rosa Parks is a symbol to all Americans to remain free."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"

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