Honoring Rosa Parks on the 70th Anniversary of Her Arrest

Every December 1 marks the anniversary of Rosa Parks’ arrest, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. This year, on the 70th anniversary, Washington National Cathedral tolled the bourdon bell in her honor, recognizing her tireless contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

Her courage reshaped the course of history as thousands joined her in demanding equal rights for all people. Parks received numerous accolades in her lifetime, including the Congressional Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. To continue her advocacy and honor her husband’s legacy, she co-founded the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development with Elaine Eason Steele in 1987.

In addition to tolling the bell for this milestone anniversary, the Cathedral has the distinct honor of memorializing Rosa Parks every day. A carving of Parks has graced the Human Rights Porch since 2012, alongside carvings of Eleanor Roosevelt, Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, and Mother Theresa. Her likeness, carved by Sean Callahan and designed by Chas Fagan, features her signature glasses and pillbox hat.

The Rev. Dr. Francis H. Wade, interim Dean of the Cathedral at the time, provided the Homily during the 2012 Choral Evensong with the dedication of the Rosa Parks Carving:

“Her decision to stop participating in what was wrong and do what was right changed the course of history in this land. And it is for that reason that we gather in this place to establish her image forever before us, where we can remember not only this woman but also that simple formula: It is time.”

In a deeply fitting choice for Parks, the first reading during the dedication service came from Isaiah 56:1:

“Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed.”