It is one of the most well known stories ever told. Across the globe, people of all generations have been taught about the events of Dec. 1, 1955 when a tired, African-American seamstress in Montgomery, Ala., refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a White man. This poignant story of courage and conviction has touched the hearts of millions, but it is hardly the complete story of Rosa Parks.
For starters, Mrs. Parks had been an activist for civil and human rights long before she sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In fact, her activist career dated back to the 1930s when she was involved in the effort to free the “Scottsboro Boys.” Years later she would serve as secretary and youth council advisor for the Montgomery NAACP. At that time the humble, but resolute Mrs. Parks had no idea that she would become affectionately known as the mother of the Civil Rights Movement.
Mrs. Parks’ story has a very lengthy and impactful Detroit chapter as well, which included serving on the staff of Congressman John Conyers and later co-founding the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development with Elaine Eason Steele in honor of Mrs. Parks’ husband, Raymond (1903-1977).
Given that Mrs. Parks lived more than half of her adult life in Detroit, it is only fitting that her legacy is widely celebrated in this city. One of the organizations at the forefront in advancing this great legacy for future generations is the Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation.
Founded in 1980 by the Detroit News, Detroit Public Schools and the Butzel Long law firm, the foundation is “dedicated to awarding scholarships to Michigan high school seniors who hold close to Mrs. Parks’ ideals while demonstrating academic skills, community involvement and economic need.”
This year marks the foundation’s 30th year of service to the community and youth throughout the state.
“I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and one of my regrets was not having a chance to touch or shake the hand of Mrs. Rosa Parks. Therefore, when I was asked to be a part of the organization it was a very special invitation with a great deal of meaning for me,” said Louise Guyton, assistant treasurer and foundation board member. Guyton is also vice president of Public Affairs for Comerica Bank, a sponsor of the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation.
“From an individual standpoint, and from the standpoint of our company, you certainly want to do what you can to support an organization that is helping to preserve Mrs. Parks’ legacy while providing opportunity for our youth,” Guyton said. “Helping young people in need, that is what really touched me about this organization. And if we’re doing that we are definitely being true to what Mrs. Parks was all about.”
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