Ms. Rosa Parks' Legacy

Ms. Rosa Parks' Legacy

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Elijah E. Cummings [MD-07], immediate past Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following initial reflections upon Ms. Rosa Parks' legacy. Ms. Parks died this evening at the age of 92.

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Ms. Rosa Parks has died. By her act of courage in 1955, she opened the doors to freedom and opportunity for tens of millions of Americans - and catalyzed a movement toward a far better and more humane society for everyone in this country.

"That movement toward universal respect for human rights and universal access to opportunity continues to this day - not only here in America, but throughout the world.

"Rosa Parks earned all of the public honors and praise that she received during her later years. Yet, I am confident that she would be the first to remind us that we cannot fully honor her gift to our country by words alone.

"She challenged all of us to take action - to do whatever we can to bring more peace, justice and equality to the world - and whenever any of us takes up her challenge, humanity gains.

"Whenever we stand up for what is right, then - and only then - are we truly honoring Rosa Parks' legacy."

http://www.house.gov/cummings/press/05oct24a.htm