Rosa Parks will alway be known as a significant contributor to helping to eliminate racial discrimination. While racism is still in clear existence today, her efforts definitely helped to make America more aware of discrimination at a time when few seemed to be concerned.
But I do not think that is the message that the life of Rosa Parks should be remembered by.
Her real message was the power of the individual to effect change and thought. Her refusal to give up her seat in a Montgomery, Alabama bus was more about that power of an individual than anything else.
As I have written this blog and other articles it has amazed me at the complacency of Americans. We talk of defending our freedoms but them feel we cannot express them.
The rhetoric of how not supporting a war is the same as not supporting the troops or our President is an example of that. Speaking up IS American. English King George sure got that message - so why can't we ?
At a recent Tampa Town Meeting, the lack of public response was noticeable. As City Officials and Administrators waited with pens in hand to address South and West Tampa issues, the small number of attendees would indicate that we have very few issues in our great city.
It is American to discuss issues - from both sides - and to seek better ways of understanding. The message from Rosa Parks is - one voice can make a difference - all you have to do is use it.
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