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Rosa Parks Creates a Positive Change in American History

Rosa Parks refusal to move to the back of the bus back on December 1, 1955 didnt just

cause a few positive changes, but impacted America, as a whole, forever. Sure, others had

refused to give up their spots before her, but it was none other than Rosas refusal that led to the

Montgomery Bus Boycottwhich sparked the victories of the Civil Rights Movement and

forever changed the culture of America.

Before the incident, Rosa and her husband worked with the NAACP. Rosa even worked

as the advisor of the NAACP Youth Council, so she was no stranger to the fight for equal rights.

Of that fateful day when she refused to give up her seat, she said, "Our mistreatment was just not

right, and I was tired of it." Rosa was arrested, and while this injustice was not the cause of the

ensuing 381 day bus boycott led by the Montgomery Improvement Association, the MIAs

leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. insists that her action was the precipitating factor. Her action was

the action of someone who was sick of the injustice around her, and hers was the catalyst for the

event that would lead to the desegregation of the public transportation systems.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott led to Martin Luther King, Jr. becoming a national symbol

and brought the civil rights movement to the frontline of the American culture. From there, sit-

ins, freedom rides, and marches were inspired. Dr. Kings famous I Have a Dream speech

graced the nation and will forever live in not just the history books, but in the hearts of the

American people. In 1964, almost 10 years after Rosa Parks stand, President Johnson signed the

Civil Rights Act, which banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

This act not only gave all Americans the rights they deserved, but gave America the

culture and richness it deserved. With that monumental piece of legislature, American culture

began to celebrate the diversity of its entire people. In addition, the Civil Rights Movement

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proved to the American people that we can stand up and make a difference. America may not be

perfect, but more than any other country in the world we are encouraged to share our beliefs and

our opinions. We are allowed to fight for our rights and to make a contribution to the society or

culture as a whole.

In conclusion, while Rosa Parks may not have been the sole reason for the Civil Rights

Movement, she was one of the courageous people who inspired a nation and led to equality. Her

beautiful act of defiance led to a beautiful act of acceptance for people from all different

backgrounds. Americans now embrace our cultural differences as an opportunity for growth,

development and education. In the aftermath of the Civil Rights movement catalyzed by Rosas

stand, American culture has been enriched and changed forever.