Menu
25/10/2005
Civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks dies aged 92
Rosa Parks, the black woman whose famous refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the US civil rights movement, has died at the age of 92.
Mrs Parks died at her home in Detroit, with friends at her side, her lawyer confirmed.
Mrs Parks, a seamstress who had been a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is credited with bringing about the end of racial segregation in the US.
On December 1, 1955, Mrs Parks, then 42, refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in defiance of a law requiring blacks to give up their seats to whites. She was arrested, fined $14 and briefly imprisoned.
However, her arrest prompted a boycott of the bus system, organised by the then little known Baptist minister Martin Luther King Jr. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for 381 days, eventually led to the end of racial segregation on public transport.
The ensuing civil rights movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr, went on to result in the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, banning racial discrimination in the US.
Speaking in 1992, Mrs Parks said that she had refused to give up her seat, because she felt she had a right to be treated as any other passenger. “We had endured that kind of treatment for too long,” she said.
Mrs Parks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 and the Congressional Gold Medal – the country’s highest civilian honour – three years later.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was “greatly saddened” to hear of Rosa Parks’ death. He said: "Her life was a remarkable one. Rosa Parks showed how the peaceful actions of an ordinary seamstress could change for the better the lives of millions.
"As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of her bravery, she will remain an inspirational figure of great hope for many who continue to fight injustice around the world today."
(KMcA/SP)
Mrs Parks died at her home in Detroit, with friends at her side, her lawyer confirmed.
Mrs Parks, a seamstress who had been a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is credited with bringing about the end of racial segregation in the US.
On December 1, 1955, Mrs Parks, then 42, refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in defiance of a law requiring blacks to give up their seats to whites. She was arrested, fined $14 and briefly imprisoned.
However, her arrest prompted a boycott of the bus system, organised by the then little known Baptist minister Martin Luther King Jr. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for 381 days, eventually led to the end of racial segregation on public transport.
The ensuing civil rights movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr, went on to result in the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, banning racial discrimination in the US.
Speaking in 1992, Mrs Parks said that she had refused to give up her seat, because she felt she had a right to be treated as any other passenger. “We had endured that kind of treatment for too long,” she said.
Mrs Parks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 and the Congressional Gold Medal – the country’s highest civilian honour – three years later.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was “greatly saddened” to hear of Rosa Parks’ death. He said: "Her life was a remarkable one. Rosa Parks showed how the peaceful actions of an ordinary seamstress could change for the better the lives of millions.
"As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of her bravery, she will remain an inspirational figure of great hope for many who continue to fight injustice around the world today."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 July 2014
National Parks England Signs Deal To Improve Mobile Coverage
The UK's four main network providers have pledged to help improve mobile phone coverage in England's national parks. A deal has been reached between National Parks England and the Mobile Operators Association that aims to tackle so-called 'notspots' – large areas of no mobile network.
National Parks England Signs Deal To Improve Mobile Coverage
The UK's four main network providers have pledged to help improve mobile phone coverage in England's national parks. A deal has been reached between National Parks England and the Mobile Operators Association that aims to tackle so-called 'notspots' – large areas of no mobile network.
21 March 2006
Diana fountain criticised in MP report
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain has been criticised by a committee of MPs as "ill-conceived". The fountain, which opened in London's Hyde Park in 2004, was plagued by problems.
Diana fountain criticised in MP report
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain has been criticised by a committee of MPs as "ill-conceived". The fountain, which opened in London's Hyde Park in 2004, was plagued by problems.
26 May 2006
Oxford's animal rights injunction extended
Oxford University has been granted an extension of its existing injunction against animal rights activists. The High Court ruling means that an exclusion zone around the site of a biomedical research centre being built in the city will be enlarged. However, it will not be increased by as much as the university had hoped.
Oxford's animal rights injunction extended
Oxford University has been granted an extension of its existing injunction against animal rights activists. The High Court ruling means that an exclusion zone around the site of a biomedical research centre being built in the city will be enlarged. However, it will not be increased by as much as the university had hoped.
10 September 2015
Bus Operators To Share Clean Bus Technology Funds
Funding is being offered to bus operators across England to equip buses with emission cutting technology and offer passengers better journeys.
Bus Operators To Share Clean Bus Technology Funds
Funding is being offered to bus operators across England to equip buses with emission cutting technology and offer passengers better journeys.
11 February 2015
London Bus Drivers Postpone Strike Action
Planned strike action by London bus drivers has been postponed as an "act of goodwill". The strike action was due to take place on Friday and Monday, with drivers walking out across the city's 18 bus companies. Unite the union has called on the bus companies to accept an invitation for talks.
London Bus Drivers Postpone Strike Action
Planned strike action by London bus drivers has been postponed as an "act of goodwill". The strike action was due to take place on Friday and Monday, with drivers walking out across the city's 18 bus companies. Unite the union has called on the bus companies to accept an invitation for talks.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
