October 24, 2005

Barbara Lee's Statement on the Death of Rosa Parks

(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today on the death of civil rights leader Rosa Parks:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Rosa Parks. With her passing, we have lost a truly courageous American.

“Without question, Rosa Parks, was a pivotal force in the struggle for civil rights in America.

“Ms. Parks courageous action touched millions of lives, serving as a catalyst for the legendary bus boycott in Alabama and acting as a critical turning point in the African-American civil rights movement.

“With the support of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists, Rosa Parks demonstrated the power of individuals and communities to tear down injustice and bring about social change.

“Her spark ignited a fire that helped to reverse segregation, raise public consciousness, and challenge our democracy to guarantee and secure liberty and justice for all.

“Rosa Parks is a true Shero. But as we remember Rosa and her actions today, let us not forget that we still have much more work to do.

“It is our job as representatives of the people to pick up the banner carried by Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Medger Evers, and others and ensure that our children and our children’s children can live in a world free of ignorance, prejudice, discrimination and racism.”

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