In studying the civil rights movement, many places, names and events come to mind, but none may be as prevalent as the figure of Rosa Parks who, in 1955, refused to comply with bus regulations in Alabama and move to the back so that a white man could take her seat. The story of her strength and courage spread nationwide and is still one of the most famous civil rights stories to date. When Parks passed away at the age of 92 Monday night, the nation mourned over the loss of the civil rights icon.
Members of the Black Student Alliance both remember and understand the breadth of Parks's influence within the civil rights movement. According to first-year College student Denee Moore, Parks's influence will continue to be prevalent after her death because of her accomplishments within the civil rights community.
"I was shocked and sad about the loss of [Parks]," Moore said. "Her spirit will continue to go on not only in the black community but throughout the country."
The fact that such a small action of noncompliance proved to be the humble beginnings of an event which encompassed the entire black community is what stands out in second-year College student Stephanie Henderson's mind when she remembers Parks's contribution to history.
"The fact is that such a small act of civil disobedience was part of such a great movement and sparked the bus boycott," Henderson said. "It only takes one person -- you don't have to have a whole group rally behind you to get something done."
Other students, such as third-year Education Graduate student Amanda Stewart, sympathize with Parks's life experiences because of her inability to grasp the full extent of Parks's exposure to acts of racial violence.
"I just think back to what it must have been like," Stewart said. "I haven't experienced a lot of racial incidents, but I always think of this particular instance first. She's a heroine."
Third-year College student Jessica Childress embraces the opportunity to contemplate the life of this historical figure.
"Her loss gives us a chance to reflect on the past and shows the progression of the civil rights movement," Childress said.
This December marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott; however, the traditional ceremonies of the celebration may be overshadowed by the loss of Parks. Known to many as the "Queen of the Movement," her presence served both as an important historical link to past struggles and a hopeful encouragement for future strives toward equality.
Not only are Parks's contributions to history significant to the citizens of Montgomery, they also are directly related to students here at the University. According to BSA President Aaron Blake, the message that Parks communicated during a time of intense racial divisions was not just a lesson for past individuals to learn from and overcome. Even today, Blake said she sees the beneficial impact Parks's message can have on combating racial incidents at the University.
"Her act of civil disobedience in 1955 serves as a lesson for our contemporary student community," Blake said. "Through simple acts of adhering to what is just and right, we can break malignant traditions of hatred and intolerance festering our University community. If Mrs. Parks could take a stand for justice in a time when speaking one's mind was punishable by jail time or even death, then why are we so afraid of supporting our University brothers and sisters against racial intolerance today"
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