Today, (Fri., Feb. 4), has been proclaimed as Rosa Parks Day in Missouri by Gov. Jay Nixon. A state law passed in 2006 designates her birthday, Feb. 4, as the date to especially remember and honor the late civil rights pioneer.
Best remembered for her refusal in 1955 to obey the order of a bus driver to give up her seat to a white male passenger on a city bus in Montgomery, Ala., Ms. Parks has been described as the “Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement.” Her refusal led to the successful boycott of the segregated city bus system, and is considered one of the seminal events of the civil rights movement.
“This unassuming woman who stood up for human dignity by refusing to obey an unjust law continues to serve as an inspiration for our country,” Gov. Nixon said. “It is appropriate that we honor her memory on this day, and continue to work every day to ensure that the civil rights of all Americans are protected.”
