Rosa Parks Biography – Discover the inspiring biography of Rosa Parks, the civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Learn about her net worth, age, husband, children, early life, education, and legacy.
Rosa Parks is a name that stands as a symbol of courage, resistance, and the fight for equality. Born in 1913, she became a central figure in the American civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. This single act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, leading to significant progress in the struggle against racial segregation.
Beyond her activism, Rosa Parks was a strong advocate for justice throughout her life. She worked tirelessly to support civil rights causes, received numerous awards, and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire people worldwide. In this article, we will explore Rosa Parks’ early life, family, activism, education, and the impact she made on history.
Rosa Parks Biography: Personal Information of Rosa Parks
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Rosa Louise McCauley Parks |
| Profession | Civil Rights Activist |
| Nationality | American |
| Age at Death | 92 (Born February 4, 1913 – Died October 24, 2005) |
| Husband | Raymond Parks (Married from 1932 until his death) |
| Children | No biological children |
| Education | Alabama State Teachers College for Negroes |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1.5 million at the time of her death |
| Notable Achievements | Montgomery Bus Boycott, Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| Death | October 24, 2005, in Detroit, Michigan |
Key Takeaways
- Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
- She was born on February 4, 1913, and passed away on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92.
- Rosa was married to Raymond Parks, a barber and civil rights advocate, but they had no children.
- She attended the Alabama State Teachers College for Negroes but left due to family responsibilities.
- Her net worth was estimated at $1.5 million at the time of her passing.
- She received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal.
- Rosa Parks’ activism helped dismantle racial segregation and advance the civil rights movement in America.
Early Life and Education
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to James and Leona McCauley. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was a schoolteacher. When Rosa was young, her parents separated, and she moved with her mother to Pine Level, Alabama, where she was raised on her grandparents’ farm.
As a child, Rosa attended a segregated school system, which was the norm in the South at the time. She walked long distances to school while white children had access to bus transportation. These experiences shaped her understanding of racial injustice from an early age.
She later enrolled in the Alabama State Teachers College for Negroes (now Alabama State University) but was unable to complete her education due to family obligations. Despite this, Rosa was deeply committed to learning and remained an advocate for education throughout her life.
Marriage and Personal Life
Rosa Parks married Raymond Parks, a barber and active supporter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), in 1932. Raymond encouraged Rosa to complete her education, and together, they became involved in civil rights activism.
The couple did not have any children but were deeply engaged in community work. They dedicated much of their lives to fighting for racial equality and social justice.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott and Activism
Rosa Parks made history on December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. At that time, racial segregation laws required Black passengers to sit at the back of the bus and give up their seats if white passengers needed them.
Her arrest led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a massive protest that lasted 381 days and was led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The boycott ultimately resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional, marking a major victory in the civil rights movement.
After the boycott, Rosa and her husband faced threats and harassment. They eventually moved to Detroit, Michigan, where Rosa continued her activism, working for Congressman John Conyers and founding the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.
Rosa Parks Biography: Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, Rosa Parks continued to be a symbol of resistance and equality. She wrote an autobiography, gave speeches, and remained involved in civil rights causes. She received numerous awards, including:
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1996) – The highest civilian honor in the U.S.
- Congressional Gold Medal (1999) – One of the highest honors given by the U.S. Congress.
- Induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
On October 24, 2005, Rosa Parks passed away in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 92. Her death was widely mourned, and she became the first woman in U.S. history to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, a rare tribute given to national figures.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Although Rosa Parks was not wealthy in her early years, her legacy and contributions earned her financial security in her later years. At the time of her death, her net worth was estimated at $1.5 million, mostly from book royalties, awards, and contributions to her foundation.
She lived modestly and dedicated much of her life to activism rather than financial gain. Her legacy, however, remains priceless, as she played a critical role in reshaping American society.
Rosa Parks for Kids – Why She’s Important
Rosa Parks is often introduced to children as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” She teaches important values such as:
- Bravery – She stood up against injustice even when it was dangerous.
- Equality – She believed that everyone should be treated the same, no matter their race.
- Change – Her actions proved that one person can make a big difference.
Her story is widely taught in schools, and she remains a role model for young generations.
Conclusion
Rosa Parks’ legacy is one of strength, determination, and a relentless fight for justice. Her refusal to give up her seat in 1955 was more than an act of defiance—it was the spark that ignited a movement. Her contributions to the civil rights movement changed American history, and her courage continues to inspire people around the world.
Through her lifelong activism, she proved that one person’s voice could lead to monumental change. Today, Rosa Parks remains an enduring symbol of justice, equality, and the power of peaceful protest.
FAQs About Rosa Parks Biography
1. Why is Rosa Parks famous?
Rosa Parks is famous for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. This led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and a major victory for the civil rights movement.
2. Did Rosa Parks have children?
No, Rosa Parks and her husband, Raymond Parks, did not have any biological children.
3. What awards did Rosa Parks receive?
She received many awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
4. How did Rosa Parks die?
Rosa Parks passed away in Detroit, Michigan, on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92 due to natural causes.
5. What impact did Rosa Parks have on history?
Rosa Parks played a crucial role in the civil rights movement by sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which led to the end of segregation on public transportation in the U.S.
