Grand Rapids students invited to write about the life of Rosa Parks

Grand Rapids students invited to write about the life of Rosa Parks

Published on October 07, 2024

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - As part of their mission to provide continuing education on the impact that Rosa Parks had on this nation, the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission (CRC) and the Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE) are once again hosting the Rosa Parks Essay Writing Contest. Both are encouraging students in grades 9 to 12 to write an essay and reflect on this year's prompt: "Riding With Mrs. Parks."

The CRC and OEE say they arrived at this theme because working together and creating coalitions has been a strength in our society. We get more accomplished if we collaborate and work alongside all people. The Civil Rights Movement has demonstrated that a determined group of diverse individuals can affect change to better our society. Rosa Parks, in collaboration with others in the movement, championed change in our history and made our society richer as a result. Students are encouraged to take some time to research and reflect on their personal goals and how those goals further the work of equity and equality in their school, their community and their family.

The prompts ask students "If you had a chance to fight for justice alongside of Rosa Parks, what would your initiative and goals be to ensure equity and equality?"

Winning student authors will be awarded $500-first place, $300-second place and $200-third place prizes for each group (9 and 10 grade and 11 and 12 grade).

Essay submissions are due October 24 via [email protected] or must be postmarked by that date.

The team will announce winning essays at 3 p.m. December 5 at Grand Rapids City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 9^th Floor, 300 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids. For more details visit https://bit.ly/GREQUITY.

December 1 marks the 69^th anniversary of the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. In 2010, the City of Grand Rapids dedicated a sculpture to honor the life of this brave woman who changed American society in a monumental way. The bronze monument standing at the entrance of Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, is a message to those who continue her work, uphold her philosophy, and demonstrate dignity with the pride and courage with perseverance.

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