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Politics and Activism

An Open Letter To Rosa Parks

A 60-Year tribute to Rosa Parks.

Emma Westlund
Dec 08, 2015
Denison University
1454
An Open Letter To Rosa Parks
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Everyone knows the story of Rosa Parks, but today I would like to thank her for everything she has done and contributed to society. Sixty years ago this month on December 1st 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery Alabama. She refused to follow orders from the bus driver to get out of her seat in the all-white section of the bus and for that I would like to thank her.

Thank you, Rosa Parks, for being such a strong and courageous woman. I want to thank you for taking that leap of faith to help change society. I want to thank you for everything you have contributed to shaping our country today. I want to thank you for proving to us that it is okay to stand up (or in your case sit down) for what you believe is right.

Your fight for your civil rights was a catalyst for the long fight in society on an incredibly important issue. The fight for civil rights was on the up-swing in the 1950s, and without your bravery, I am not sure where civil rights would be today. Your refusal to give up your seat on the bus lead to other sustained and effective protests, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which you helped start, the March on Washington, Freedom Summer, and the rise of Black Nationalism.

Your bravery can also be traced to where we are today. Unfortunately, it is necessary that we continue to protest for civil rights. The fight is not over. Discriminatory racial profiling and police brutality has led to hundreds of outrageous and unnecessary deaths and the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter has become a top trending topic. However, this 60 plus year fight for civil rights has led to many significant movements and improvement, as well as the strong hope that this society will find the strength to bring about an end to racial discrimination.

I wish that you were able to see how far this nation has come and that you were here to help with how much further we still have to go. However, on this 60th anniversary of your courageous act, I want to thank you for being such a strong leader and for being a true hero.

Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome. –Rosa Parks

You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right- Rosa Parks

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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