rosa parks

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Rosa Parks, 1913-2005

Parks was already living the movement when she was tapped for her pivotal role. She was chosen for her courage, her commitment to the cause, her unblemished reputation (very important for movement strategy!) and her unflappable poise.

For the complete story behind Parks's courageous act of defiance - and for an in-depth history of the American civil rights movement - I highly recommend Taylor Branch's Parting The Waters.

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