Rosa Parks; a Woman Deserving Respect and Recognition

When asked to compose an essay about one individual that deserves respect and recognition as a leader, the first person that comes to mind is Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks is a strong willed and straight forward person. She has been called the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movements" and one of the most important citizen of the 20th century, she has also been called one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders ever. Mrs. Parks was a seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white passenger. She was tried and convicted of violating a local ordinance.

Rosa Parks is an example of courage and determination, an inspiring symbol for all African Americans to remain free. She helped to make her fellow African Americans aware of the history of the Civil Rights Movement to the best of her ability. This pioneer in the struggle for racial equality is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize. Mrs. Parks helped blacks pass tests that had been set up to make it difficult for them to pass. Rosa Parks was a major factor in the fight for equal rights. She had enough courage not to give up her seat that day in 1955 on the city bus to that white person that was no better than she, when seen through the eyes of those on the right track. She also helped start a boycott that kept blacks off city buses for a year. That boycott took part in the fight to equal rights. Her subsequent arrest and boycott became a powerful symbol of peaceful resistance for the Civil Rights Movement.

Rosa Parks exhibits many leadership qualities that I can relate to. One being, she stood up for herself and she also stood up against racism. It was harder for her because she was a woman. I, myself can relate to that being of the female descent. In those days things were harder for women and still at this very moment it is still hard. Another leadership quality this lady that is owed great appreciation has is the fact that she gives everybody a positive outlook on life. She seems to be one of those people that boost you up by saying things like "You can do it".

There are many steps one must take to become a strong man or women. Just to discuss a few, the very first is you must have a positive attitude. Without that you will go absolutely nowhere. Next you must have some set goals to accomplish. Without these set goals to accomplish, you have nothing to work towards. Lastly, you must stick to all positive aspects of life. Leave all negative things that may hinder you out of your pathway. As you see, it doesn't take much to be a strong women or man if you work to the best of your ability.

Rosa Parks' hard work, charity, dedication, and willpower are what helped to give her the legacy that she carries today. She is a reluctant public figure whose life has been shaped by practicing what she preaches with integrity, caring, and citizenship.