Who was Rosa Parks and why is she significant?

Rosa Parks is significant primarily for her courageous role as an activist in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which became a pivotal event in the American civil rights movement. On December 1, 1955, Parks famously refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This act of defiance challenged the systemic racism of segregation laws prevalent at the time. Her arrest sparked a 381-day boycott of the Montgomery public buses, organized by local civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This boycott not only highlighted the economic impact of racial segregation but also inspired other African Americans and activists to join the fight against discrimination. Parks' actions and the ensuing boycott were instrumental in ultimately leading to the Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional, marking a significant victory in the struggle for civil rights. Thus, her legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against racial injustice and an inspiration for future movements seeking equality.