How Did Rosa Parks Die?

Early Life and Activism

Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Growing up in the segregated South, she experienced racism and discrimination from a young age. Despite this, she received a good education and became active in civil rights issues.

In 1943, Parks became involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as the secretary for the Montgomery, Alabama chapter. She worked to register African American voters, investigate cases of racial violence, and advocate for the desegregation of schools.

Parks’ activism continued to grow, and she became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. However, it was her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus on December 1, 1955, that propelled her to national attention and sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

After Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus, local civil rights leaders organized a boycott of the city’s buses. Parks’ act of defiance became the catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for over a year.

The boycott was organized by leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., who emerged as a prominent civil rights leader during the boycott. The participants in the boycott walked or carpooled instead of taking the buses, leading to a significant decline in ridership and revenue for the city’s bus company.

The boycott was not without its challenges, as participants faced harassment and violence from white supremacists. However, it ultimately resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a significant victory for the civil rights movement and demonstrated the power of nonviolent protest in the fight for equality.

Life After the Boycott

Following the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks continued to be active in the civil rights movement. She moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1957, and worked for U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. She also served on the board of Planned Parenthood and was a vocal advocate for women’s rights.

Parks received numerous honors for her contributions to the civil rights movement, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. She also wrote an autobiography, “Rosa Parks: My Story,” which detailed her life and activism.

In her later years, Parks suffered from health issues, including dementia. She passed away on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92. Her legacy as a courageous and influential figure in the fight for civil rights continues to be celebrated today.

Rosa Parks’ Health Issues

In her later years, Rosa Parks suffered from a number of health issues. She was diagnosed with progressive dementia in 2002 and had also experienced a number of small strokes. These health issues led to her retiring from public life and declining interviews.

Despite her health issues, Parks remained a symbol of the civil rights movement and continued to receive recognition for her contributions. In 1999, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Parks passed away on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92. Her death was attributed to natural causes, specifically congestive heart failure. Parks’ passing was mourned by many, and her contributions to the civil rights movement continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Rosa Parks’ Legacy and Death

Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus and her subsequent arrest became a defining moment in the civil rights movement. Her act of defiance inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which ultimately led to the desegregation of public transportation in the United States.

Parks’ legacy as a civil rights icon continued throughout her life, and she received numerous honors and awards for her contributions. Her autobiography, “Rosa Parks: My Story,” was published in 1992 and became a best-seller.

Parks passed away on October 24, 2005, at the age of 92. Her death was mourned by many, and she was honored with a memorial service at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Parks’ legacy continues to inspire activists and advocates for social justice, and she remains an important figure in American history.