Reps. Beatty, Sewell, and Figures Introduce Bill to Create New Federal Holiday Commemorating the Historic Arrest of Rosa Parks

Washington, D.C. — Today, in honor of Rosa Parks’ 112th birthday, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), and Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) introduced The Rosa Parks Day Act. The bill would designate December 1st as a federal holiday commemorating the historic arrest of Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama. Rep. Beatty will participate in a press conference, hosted by Rep. Terri Sewell, on The Rosa Parks Day Act today, Wednesday, February 5th at 11:00 a.m. EST (10:00 a.m. CST) at the Capitol Visitor Center (HVC Studio B). The event will be live streamed here.
 

Today, Congresswoman Beatty released the following statement regarding the bill’s significance:
 

“Nearly seventy years ago, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. On that day, she sparked a Civil Rights revolution, challenging our country to deliver on the principles we’re bound to —that all of us are created equal,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “With diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts under attack, the impact of her life is relevant now, more than ever. Rosa Parks epitomized the Power of One, with hopes that others would follow her example.”
 

Beatty continued, “Parks’ life and legacy continues through the advocacy of those who stand up against discrimination and work peacefully to create a more just and fair America. During my time as a state legislator, I was proud to champion the effort to make Ohio the first state to officially recognize December 1st, as Rosa Parks Day. It is now time for us to come together as a nation to honor this esteemed American hero through a new federal holiday.”
 

“At a time when Black history is under attack, it is especially important that we recognize the bravery and heroism of changemakers like Rosa Parks who dared this nation to live up to its highest ideals,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “As we celebrate her 112th birthday, I’m proud to be introducing legislation to designate December 1st as Rosa Parks Day commemorating her historic arrest in Montgomery, Alabama. Honoring Rosa Parks with a new federal holiday will ensure that her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and to American history are never forgotten.” 
 

“The resilience and bravery demonstrated by Rosa Parks when refusing to give up her seat was an integral moment in history that should be nationally commemorated,” said Congressman Figures. “As the newly elected representative for Montgomery and Mrs. Parks’ birthplace of Tuskegee, I am proud to join this legislation designating a national holiday in her honor to ensure her contributions that helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement are never forgotten." 
 

On December 1, 1955, almost seventy years ago, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. Her arrest served as a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring courage, and perseverance in the hearts of African Americans fighting for equity. 
 

While several states have adopted their own holidays honoring Mrs. Parks, there is currently no federal holiday recognizing her contributions and advocacy. 
 

If established, Rosa Parks Day would become the first federal holiday to honor a woman.
 

Bill text is available here.

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