Trinity Remembers Rosa Parks
A pioneer fighting not only for African-American rights, but for
human equality, Rosa Parks helped begin a battle that is not yet
over. May we all honor her memory by continuing her legacy and doing
our part to further equality.
- Jason, Trinity Staff Member
As a Jewish person, my faith has taught me certain principles that
Rosa Parks exemplified. She is a women who exemplifies "If
I am not for myself who is for me - if only for myself what am I
and if not now, when?" Also she is a woman who understands
"Life is a Narrow Bridge, the only thing is not to be afraid".
Ken Yehe Ratzon - May it be G-d's will to inspire me, you and others
to do random acts of kindness, bravery and courage. Amen.
- Jeremy Mendelson, Trinity Staff Member
Elected as secretary to the Montgomery Chapter of the NAACP in
1943, Rosa Parks spent most of her adult life as civil rights activist.
When I reflect on Rosa Parks, I am reminded of the courage, focus,
and persistence that is often necessary to achieve progress. In
a world where it can often seem easier to go along with the status
quo, Rosa Parks' legacy reminds all of us of our obligation to speak
out and act out in the face of injustice.
- Sarah Godwin, Trinity Staff Member
In honor of Rosa Parks, I read one of her books, Rosa Parks, by
Eloise Greenfield, to my son's second grade class last month. I
felt so very honored to have shared her story to the class. They
learned a lesson about having courage and making a stand for what
you believe. I felt proud to be able to have that right to go into
a school and be able to read to them her story. Thank You Mrs. Parks.
"Keeping her Spirit Alive."
- Rose Swain, Trinity Student
A simple, but important, observation: the bus had other people on
it.
Rosa Parks sat, refusing to move, in the face of angry racism.
She sat and held her ground when the bus driver told her to move
to the back of the bus. She sat and held her ground while the police
were summoned. She sat and held her ground in front of the other
riders on that bus. And when the police arrived and arrested Rosa
Parks, the other riders sat and held their tongues.
Ms. Parks was a champion for people subjugated because of who they
are. Her simple act of defiance called attention to the inherent
injustice of limiting individuals' rights based on something beyond
their control.
Fifty years later, we owe it to Ms. Parks to examine how far we
have come as a society. Do we still preach the pretty lie of separate
but equal? Do we even bother to lie at all--or do we proclaim our
intolerance in the self-righteous language of those born into privilege?
Sadly, we may not have come as far as we thought.
Why talk of our shortcomings at a time when we should be honoring
this great American? Rosa Parks is a hero for standing up to intolerance,
bigotry, and hate. We should honor her by seeking opportunities
to do the same ourselves. To pretend we have achieved the mission
started by Rosa Parks is to pretend she was never on that bus.
Today, here in America, many groups are fighting for equal rights.
Many other groups are fighting back under the guise of protecting
America (from Americans?). If each of us is a rider on the bus,
what should we do about this viscous fight happening right before
our eyes? On this 50th anniversary of Ms. Parks’ courageous
action, should we sit and hold our tongues?
- Timothy Russell, Trinity Staff Member
I am old enough to remember hearing about the bus boycott from
my parents-they were actively involved in the civil rights struggle.I
would not be where I am today-at Trinity as a graduate student,
a homeowner or gainfully employed in a job that I love if it had
not been for Mrs. Parks and her supporters.
- Leslie, Trinity Student
Rosa Parks is not just another black leader in history. She is
a strong woman who set the foundation for African Americans today.
Her beauty, love, and dedication is a prototype of a true leader
who has strived to revolutionize social injustice. I pray her legacy
continuous through today's generation of global leaders. Thank you
Mrs. Parks, you are wonderfully amazing!
- Kit Evans, Trinity Student
I am so proud of the impact of one very strong and determined,
peace lover, Mrs. Rosa Parks. She is indeed my S/Hero and my life
would not be the same (positive) without the fearless, non-violent
act of one African-American woman. I am also proud to know that
her statue will stand proudly in the U.S. Capital and will watch
over our lawmakers and bless them to remain faithful to her cause
for justice and freedom for all. She is a living national treasure
and a Saint. Thank you for allowing us to honor her living legacy.
- Lucinda M. Nobles, Trinity Student
Thank you for knowing Courage is more important than fear...
- Ana-Alicia, Trinity Student
I too am thankful for Rosa Parks' courageous contribution to the
furtherance of civil rights. Her example is one that shows each
of us that we too can find it within us to do our part even if in
the beginning we have to stand alone. When we care enough what we
do will be enough when added to the actions of others. Thank you
Rosa Parks.
- Trible Greaves, Trinity Student
Rosa Parks influenced me in so many ways. She makes me proud to
be an African American woman and I am truly thankful for strong
women like Rosa Parks.
- Jackie Russell, Trinity Student
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