Rosa Parks, Civil Rights Heroine, has died.

[undergroundrailroad]

Monday, October 24, 2005

BY CASSANDRA SPRATLING
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Rosa Parks, civil rights heroine, is dead

When Rosa Parks refused to get up, an entire race of people began to stand up for their rights as human beings.

It was a simple act that took extraordinary courage in Montgomery, Ala., in 1955. It was a place where black people had no rights white people had to respect. It was a time when racial discrimination was so common, many blacks never questioned it.

At least not out loud.

But then came Rosa Parks.

This mild-mannered black woman refused to give up her seat on a city bus so a white man could sit down.

Jim Crow laws had met their match.

[tamtam]

1. I ventured over here to see what

my fellow African American DU'ers were saying. All I can say at this moment is that I'm really sad. I know she was getting up there in the years and all, but it still hurts to hear she passed. I know I'm grateful for her bravery.

[FrenchieCat]

2. I admire Rosa Parks very much,

She was a warrior and a fighter.....

Rosa Parks embodied and represented the spirit of many unsung and unknown African Americans who fought and died so that we, a younger generation, could have the opportunities that the United States offered and, in fact, promised her citizens.

I shall never forget what those who came before us did to make our dreams that much more possible.

In my hearts of hearts, I know that Ms. Parks would want most of all....that we teach our young people the sacrifices that actually took place in order that their lives include more options. I think that she would want them to appreciate and understand that what she did what had to be done then, and I pray that we will now do what needs to be done now!

Ms. Parks is now in a good place, alongside the Lord, as she was a Christian and a believer.

I will celebrate her life by doing my part!

She shall be missed. :cry:

[Karenina]

3. Great photos on this thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5158174

[Swamp Rat]

8. Damn! The photos have disappeared!

:(

:hi: Karenina! :hug:

[qanda]

4. My children and I were discussing Rosa Parks yesterday

And so when word came down that she had passed last evening they seemed to take it somewhat hard. I'm so glad that she and all of those involved in the Civil Rights struggle chose to fight for the freedom and diginity of black people, my children will have a better life because of what they did. RIP Ms. Parks.

[kwassa]

5. I met Rosa Parks about 15 years ago

Rosa attended a Martin Luther King's birthday service at my church in Los Angeles. She was very sweet, gracious, and very tiny! She really is a small woman. Quite amazing how she wasn't to be intimidated.

[Pithy Cherub]

6. Had the great blessing and joy to meet her in an unconventional

setting. Can you imagine getting your head out of a shampoo bowl and you see a civil rights legend in my lifetime, right next to me without any warning?

Ms. Parks had the longest most beautiful grey hair. When you have wet hair, folks are just more relaxed. It was great. Ms. Parks spoke softly and she had a sense of humor. She enjoys people watching. This was really a big starstruck moment for me and I am a very jaded Southern Californian.

More importanty, I thank her for being noble and gracious in the face of oppression and dispaying the strength of character needed. Courage and Grace!

Rosa Parks: "I was not tired. I was tired of giving in." Thank you Rosa!

[politicasista]

7. I hope the media gives her her just due..

since she is the first woman to lie in repose at the U.S. Capitol. If Reagan can have a week's worth or media coverage, why can't Rosa?