 |
Rosa Parks, left, and Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at one of Park’s last public appearances before her death in October, 2005. In a gesture marking her importance, she became the first woman and the first African American woman to lie in honor at the Capitol Rotunda. Parks also will be the first African American woman to be honored permanently in National Statuary Hall. Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in November directed the Architect of the Capitol to commission a statue of Parks. Her likeness will stand beside presidents and staunch segregationists in the hall, including Confederate heroes Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis. Photo courtesy of Martin Luther King Resources at Chico High School Library, Chico, Calif. |
“Differences of race, nationality or religion should not be used to deny any human being citizenship rights or privileges. I felt just resigned to give what I could to protect against the way I was being treated. I didn’t have any special fear. It was more of a relief to know that I wasn’t alone. To this day, I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom. I think when you say you’re happy, you have everything that you need and everything that you want, and nothing more to wish for. I haven’t reached that stage yet.”
Rosa Parks
Plan to attend
What: 2006 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration
Who: Robert Jensen, Ph.D., associate professor, School of Journalism, University of Texas at Austin, will discuss the unseen and unspoken privileges that are accorded simply because one has white skin.
When: Monday, Jan. 16, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Storz Pavilion, lower level of Clarkson Tower
Why: The thought-provoking event, sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, is free and open to the public.