-
One of the most iconic figures of the 20th century is Rosa Parks, an Alabama woman whose courageous act against Jim Crow tyranny is credited with starting the civil rights movement across America in the 1960s.
What Did Rosa Parks Do?
Despite facing discrimination and very real physical danger, Parks refused to move. This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, a year-long protest that became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
But she did more than that.
As widely known as Parks’s story is, there are some things you may not know. This article will show you some little-known facts about Parks and her fight for freedom and equality in the South.
1. Parks Faced Intimidation As a Youth
Harassment and intimidation was something that Parks came to endure at a young age. In her book, she recalls when the Ku Klux Klan marched outside her door and her grandfather guardedly stood at the entrance.
At school, she was also bullied. “As far back as I remember, I could never think in terms of accepting physical abuse without some form of retaliation if possible,” said in her memoir.
When Was Rosa Parks Born?
Born on February 4, 1913, Parks faced racial injustice from a young age. Her parents were Leona (née Edwards), a teacher, and James McCauley, a carpenter.
As a child, Parks experienced bullying and witnessed the horrors of segregation firsthand. This shaped her commitment to fighting for equality.
2. Others Resisted Montgomery Bus Segregation Before Parks
Other people, namely Claudette Colvin, stood up to bus segregation in Montgomery before Parks did it, but it didn’t spark a movement.
On March 2, 1955 — nine months before Parks — Colvin and three other young African-Americans refused to give up their seat for white patrons on a Montgomery bus.
“It felt like Sojourner Truth was on one side pushing me down, and Harriet Tubman was on the other side of me pushing me down. I couldn’t get up,” Colvin recalled years later.
While others had resisted bus segregation before, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) saw Parks as the ideal candidate to legally challenge Alabama’s segregation laws. With Parks as the ember, the fire that would light the civil rights moment and become a guiding light for change ignited into a societal symbol.
3. Parks Was Inspired By Emmett Till
The violent abduction and murder of Emmett Till greatly affected Parks, who was killed just three months before she decided not to give up her seat on the bus.
At that fateful moment on the bus in Montgomery, Parks’s mind flashed to what had happened in rural Mississippi.
“I thought of Emmett Till — a 14-year-old African American who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, after being accused of offending a white woman in her family’s grocery store, whose killers were tried and acquitted—and I just couldn’t go back,” she recalled in her memoir.
In her own words, Parks said she wanted to use the bus moment to claim her rights as a human being, something that had been denied to young Emmett.
4. Parks Knew the Bus Driver
Montgomery bus driver James F. Blake was known for giving black woman a hard time. He reportedly drove one black female motorist off the road and exchanged epithets with another.
Parks had boarded a Montgomery public transit bus from the front in 1943 and was accosted then by Blake, who scolded her to obey segregation rules and get off and re-enter the bus from the back door, which was a custom.
When Parks got off that bus that time in 1943, Blake drove off. That event became seared in Parks’s mind whenever she rode public transportation.
It was Blake’s bus, who on December 1, 1955, stopped to pick up Parks, who was at first unaware she was facing the same driver who had drove off and left her on the roadside years earlier.
As the situation unfolded anew in 1955, Parks made up her mind then and there that she was not going to capitulate to segregation. She became unwavering in her belief for justice.
Blake said, “Y’all better make it light on yourselves and let me have those seats.” When Parks refused, Blake followed protocol and contacted the bus company. “I called the company first, just like I was supposed to do,” Blake recalled in a later newspaper interview. “I got my supervisor on the line. He said, ‘Did you warn her, Jim?’ I said, ‘I warned her.’ And he said, and I remember it just like I’m standing here, ‘Well then, Jim, you do it, you got to exercise your powers and put her off, hear?’ And that’s just what I did.”
He drove for the bus company until 1999, when he retired.
5. Other Black People Gave Up Their Seat
Parks was not the only African-American on the bus. At least four black people, including Parks, were aboard the public transportation vehicle.
“The driver wanted us to stand up, the four of us. We didn’t move at the beginning, but he says, ‘Let me have these seats.’ And the other three people moved, but I didn’t,” she recalled.
A black man who was seated next to her gave up his seat, she said.
Blake said, “Why don’t you stand up?” Parks replied, “I don’t think I should have to stand up.”
6. Parks Refused To Give Up Her Seat — But Not Because She Was Tired
Parks wanted the world to know that her act of defiance in the face of Jim Crow had nothing to do with physical fatigue on her part.
In her autobiography, Rosa Parks: My Story, Parks said, “People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was 42. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
7. She Moved — But Not To The ‘Colored’ Section
Instead of moving to the redesignated colored section, Parks moved, but toward the window seat.
Parks said, “When he saw me still sitting, he asked if I was going to stand up, and I said, ‘No, I’m not.’ And he said, ‘Well, if you don’t stand up, I’m going to have to call the police and have you arrested.’ I said, ‘You may do that.'”
When Parks refused to give up her seat again, that’s when Blake contacted the police. When the officers came, Blake then signed the warrant for her arrest, which sparked the Montgomery bus boycott.
8. Parks Not Only Faced Arrest, But Harassment And Lost Her Job
After Parks was arrested and the incident garnered significant press exposure, not only nationally, but internationally, her life changed drastically.
Though hailed as a hero later, Parks’s actions had immediate consequences. She lost her job and endured years of threats and intimidation.
Blacklisted by white employers in Montgomery, Parks and her husband decided to relocate to Detroit, where she worked for in the office of U.S. Congressman John Conyers. In Michigan, Parks became a national figure and gave speeches and published her autobiography.
9. How Did Rosa Parks Die?
On October 24, 2005, Rosa Parks died of natural causes. She was 92 years old. Parks lived in Detroit from 1961 to 1988, staying in a modest flat on the city’s east side.
At her funeral, more than 4,000 people packed Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. Parks’s coffin was draped with an American flag during the seven-hour ceremony.
At the funeral, then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama said, “The woman we honored today held no public office, she wasn’t a wealthy woman, didn’t appear in the society pages. And yet when the history of this country is written, it is this small, quiet woman whose name will be remembered long after the names of senators and presidents have been forgotten.”
Final Word
Rosa Parks’s courage lit a fire in the Black community of Montgomery and caused them to come together to demand equal treatment under the law.
Parks’s individual courage will always be remembered, and the collective action it sparked will go down as the signature moment of a true act of freedom in this country.
More Articles Like this from AtlantaFi.com:
-
It’s wildcard weekend in the NFL playoffs. If you want to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills game, you have some TV and streaming options.
No cable needed! Steelers vs. Bills is always a good game. You may be wondering you can watch it — for free. Keep reading.
How To Watch the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills Game On TV/Streaming
You can also steam the game for free on FuboTV, which offers a 7-day trial at no charge.
If you live in Pittsburgh or Buffalo, you can watch the game on your local TV affiliate via cable TV or TV antenna.
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills
- Time: Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Highmark Stadium — Orchard Park, New York
- Channel: CBS
- Streaming: FuboTV. or Paramount+
Watching the game for free on Fubo’s sports-centric live TV streaming service will give you practically every game during the NFL regular season and playoffs. This includes streaming every game broadcast nationally or on the NFL Network. Fubo also offers 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage and a seven-day free trial.
Final Word
The way to watch TV is by using the best streaming services for your particular device.
From gridiron battles to binge-worthy comedies, sports is something we all can enjoy, especially on an Atlanta weekend. Catch today’s Wild Card game is just one of many shows you can enjoy, from “Parks and Recreation,” Premier League soccer, and even WWE Wrestlemania.
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.
-
The NFL playoffs have some great games on tap, namely the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Miami Dolphins. If you want to watch it or stream it on your device, keep reading.
No cable needed! Dolphins vs. Chiefs is the NFL’s first streaming-only playoff game – watch every epic touchdown exclusively on Peacock.
But what if you don’t have Peacock? Can you still watch the football game? Yes!
How To Watch the Kansas City Chiefs-Miami Dolphins Game On TV/Streaming
You can also steam the game for free on FuboTV, which offers a 7-day trial at no charge.
If you live in Kansas City or Miami, you can watch the game on your local NBC affiliate via cable TV or TV antenna.
- Matchup: Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs
- Time: Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at 8:00 p.m ET (5:00 p.m. PT)
- Streaming: Peacock
Final Word
From gridiron battles to binge-worthy comedies, sports is something we all can enjoy, especially on an Atlanta weekend. Catch today’s Wild Card game, hit TV shows like “Parks and Recreation,” Premier League soccer, and even WWE Wrestlemania for just $30 per year (half off!). Don’t miss out, join the Peacock party today!
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.
Read More on Atlantafi.com’s Sports Page:
-
Some pretty swanky lodgings have just joined in hotels in downtown Atlanta. Signia by Hilton Atlanta hotel opened its doors on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.
The hotel boasts the renown Spa Signia, eight food and beverage venues, each managed by a team of skilled chefs.
Rising from the legendary Georgia Dome, Signia by Hilton Atlanta soars with eight diverse dining options, a pampering spa and rooftop oasis, plus Georgia’s grandest ballroom among 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. Lush outdoor terraces and Club Signia complete the picture.
Among them are three full-service restaurants and three bars including:
- Capolinea, offering Italian-inspired cuisine.
- Nest on Four, an elegant sports bar.
- Homespun, specializing in Southern breakfasts.
- Highball, a poolside bar featuring craft cocktails and Southern picnic fare.
Capolinea
159 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Photo credit: Capolinea Using high-quality ingredients in Georgia, Capolinea offers diners an inspired taste of Italy in downtown Atlanta. Check out the menu.
Additionally, the hotel will provide in-room dining and Club Signia, an exclusive lounge experience.
Heading the culinary team are Jacob Linzey, the Director of Food and Beverage, responsible for overseeing all food and beverage operations, including catering and events; Executive Chef Christian Quiñones, who leads the hotel’s extensive culinary team and is involved in everything from concept creation to community engagement; and Executive Pastry Chef Daniella Lea Rada, who leads an all-female pastry team and is responsible for designing and preparing all house-made desserts, pastries, chocolates, and more.
The hotel’s beverage and wine programs are managed by Director of Beverage Evan Sewell and Sommelier Marvella Castañeda, respectively.
Where Is Signia by Hilton Atlanta Located?
The Signia by Hilton Atlanta is located at 159 Northside Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30313 adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center. Here’s how to get there.
Final Word
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this weekend, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
More Articles From AtlantaFi.com:
-
Whataburger is set to open its first-ever restaurant in Atlanta. And there will be a free food giveaway to mark the occasion. The Vinings Whataburger is planning to open on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 at noon.
The burger chain has been spreading around the metro area for the past year, but this time it will come inside the perimeter. This new location will mark the 1,000th store opened by the brand in the United States.
It was just in December that Whataburger entered the metro Atlanta market, with its first area location in Kennesaw.
Since 1950, Whataburger has been known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers and commitment to friendly customer service
The company began in the 1950s when entrepreneur Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Now headquartered in San Antonio, the company has expanded to nearly 900 locations across 15 states, with annual sales exceeding $2.8 billion.
Where Is Whataburger Located In Atlanta?
You can find the Atlanta Whataburger at 2955 Cobb Parkway SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30339 in the Vinings area of Cobb County. Here’s a map to help you find it.
What’s On Whataburger’s Menu?
Photo credit: Whataburger.com Many people may think that Whataburger only serves burgers, but that’s not the case. You can also order:
- Breakfast like the Bacon Breakfast Bowl or Sausage Breakfast Bowl
- Sandwiches like a Patty Melt or Honey BBQ Chicken Strip
- Desserts like a Hot Apple Pie, Brownie, Cookies and More
- Salads like a Cobb Salad, Garden Salad and more.
- Sides like French Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings, Apple Slices and more.
With the grand opening of the Vinings Whataburger, the first two drivethru customers have an opportunity to win free Whataburger for an entire year! Other giveaways include a year gift baskets and more.
Final Bite
Whataburger already has a claim to one of the best burgers in Atlanta, but how will expansion affect its reputation among local eaters? Only time — and good burgers will tell.
Whataburger is among many food franchises that are exploring expansion in metro Atlanta’s restaurant scene. -
The grand opening of Cupcakin’ Bake Shop is set to take place in Midtown Atlanta’s Colony Square in the days ahead.
Lila Owens is the mastermind behind Cupcakin’ Bake Shop, where she turned her 2007 home-based cupcake catering business into a dream of opening a charming bake shop.
Her vision included a fun atmosphere, delightful decor, and artisanal baked goods crafted from top-notch sustainable ingredients. With the support of key individuals, her dream came true with the establishment of the Berkeley, CA location in 2014. Now, she is thrilled to introduce her delectable treats to the Midtown Atlanta community.
When Will Cupcakin’ Bake Shop Open In Colony Square?
Cupcakin’ Bake Shop has its grand opening on Saturday, January 13, 2024. There will be face paintings, giveways and a live DJ on hand.
Where Is Cupcakin’ Bake Shop Located?
Cupcakin’ Bake Shop is located at 1197 Peachtree Rd, Ste. 180, Atlanta, Ga, 30361. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Aside from bake shops, Midtown Atlanta has plenty of nice places to eat and numerous cool things to do.
If you’re hungry, check out some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
-
One of the hottest musicals in this day and age is Hamilton, an entertaining historical take on the rise of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. The play traces the ruthless politician as he pursues honor, love, and a legacy that will influence the America in its infancy.
When Is Hamilton Coming To Atlanta?
Hamilton is coming to Atlanta on on Wed, Jan 31, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. The show will be at the Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta.
You can buy tickets to Hamilton from the Fox Theatre. Tickets anywhere from $179 to $1,079 depending on available seating.
Hamilton presents a fresh and innovative take on the traditional Broadway musical by blending hip-hop, R&B, and other contemporary musical styles with a historical narrative about the life of Alexander Hamilton.
What Is Hamilton About?
Hamilton tells the story of one of America’s founding fathers in a way that feels relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences, making history come alive on stage.
The play has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Tony Awards, further boosting its popularity and reputation.
The play addresses themes such as immigration, diversity, and the American Dream, which resonate strongly with modern audiences.
Hamilton features a diverse cast, including actors of color portraying historical figures traditionally depicted as white. This casting choice has been celebrated for its inclusivity and representation.
Who Created Hamilton The Musical?
Hamilton was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He wrote the music, lyrics, and book for the musical, drawing inspiration from Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. Miranda also starred in the original Broadway production in the lead role of Alexander Hamilton.
Miranda has been praised for its creativity, catchy tunes, and clever wordplay. The combination of memorable music and engaging storytelling has contributed to its broad appeal.
Final Word
Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.
If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
In a move that many sports fans actively hoped for, the Atlanta Falcons fired Head Coach Arthur Smith after another 10-loss season in three years.
The firing came hours after the Falcons were blown out 48-17 by the New Orleans Saints. Both teams missed the playoffs this year.
Falcons Fire Arthur Smith
In a statement, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said although Smith was good for the locker room, none of it translated to the field.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” said Blank. “We have profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last three years. He has been part of building a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field have not met our expectations. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position.”
Smith became the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in January 2021, succeeding Dan Quinn. Prior to joining the Falcons, Smith had served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, where he gained recognition for his work with their offense. If there have been any developments regarding Arthur Smith’s status as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons since then, I would recommend checking the latest sources for the most up-to-date information.
Final Word
If you watch the Falcons, you saw that they were a team that could never get over the hump. We’ll see if quarterback Desmond Ridder can improve with another coach.
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
-
The Atlanta Falcons lost to the New Orleans Saints in the last game of the season, but the classless act at the end of the game got Arthur Smith hot.
Update: Smith was fired after the Falcons’ 7-10 record.
Why Arthur Smith Was So Hot At Dennis Allen
After the Saints went into victory formation with only seconds left in the game, the Saints quickly changed into a run play, allowing their running back to score a touchdown.
“Nobody wants to end the season like that,” Smith told reporters after the game. “Credit to them. They made the plays, certainly in the second half. It got out of hand.”
After the game, Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen said that backup quarterback Jameis Winston changed the play and went rogue, opting to score the touchdown.
Allen then apologized to the Falcons.
Jamies Winston also apologized after saying that “the team” made the decision to score a run touchdown instead of kneeling on the ball to run the clock out.
Here is Winston’s take on why he did what he did.
The move angered many in sports talk TV, including Shannon Sharpe, who said that he would cut soon-to-be free agent Winston over the late TD.
“That’s a loser’s mentality,” Sharpe said about the move. “The defense has conceded. If you want to run the ball, let the defense line up. Don’t you trick them … that’s going rogue.”
Listen to what Sharpe had to say about it.
After Tampa Bay clinched the NFC South title, the Saints needed some help to make the playoffs.
The Seattle Seahawks needed to lose to the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers needed to lose to the Chicago Bears. Both the Seahawks and Packers won, which means the Saints and Falcons have been eliminated from the playoffs.
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.
Read More on Atlantafi.com’s Sports Page:
-
Chef Hector Santiago is planning to open another eatery inside Ponce City Market in Midtown. His El Super Pan has been a runaway success with locations in the central food hall as well as The Battery Atlanta.
Now Santiago is planning to open a tapas bar inside Ponce City Market. The establishment will be the space formerly occupied by Biltong Bar, which closed down months ago.
When Will Hector Santiago’s New Tapas Bar in Ponce City Market Open?
The tapas bar will be called Le Metro, and is slated to open this summer.
Hector Santiago’s culinary odyssey began under the tutelage of Chef Giovanna Huyke in his Puerto Rican hometown. This early spark ignited a passion that led him across the globe, honing his skills in renowned kitchens under the guidance of culinary masters like José Andrés and Wylie Dufresne. Each stop on his journey added a distinct layer of technique and inspiration, shaping him into the chef he is today.
Le Metro will mark Santiago’s fourth restaurant in Atlanta following his two El Super Pan locations and his burrito shop, El Burro Pollo in the Coda food hall on the Georgia Tech campus.
Before any of those restaurants was Pura Vida, which Santiago had to close in 2012. It was on the ground floor of Pura Vida that El Super Pan, then a Cuban sandwich pop-up, was born. Now it is Santiago’s signature restaurant in Atlanta.
Final Bite
The best Mexican restaurants in Atlanta all have good customer service, if not good food. As of now, Hot Chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Check out 10+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
