Georgia Senate Bill SR39

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23
• Enrolled: 1/25/23
• Passed: 1/25/23

Caption

"Rosa Parks Day"; recognize February 6, 2023

Impact

The resolution serves to reinforce the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the recognition of pivotal historical figures in the movement against racism. By establishing a day in her honor, the resolution aims to inspire contemporary and future generations to continue working towards equality and justice. It highlights the importance of remembering historical milestones while serving as a reminder of the challenges that remain in the fight against racial discrimination and injustice in society.

Summary

Senate Resolution 39, introduced by Senators James, Davenport, Rhett, and Halpern, honors the memory of Rosa Parks and officially designates February 6, 2023, as 'Rosa Parks Day'. The resolution acknowledges Parks' courageous act of defiance against racial segregation on December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. This act not only led to her arrest but also catalyzed the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement and eventually helped dismantle segregation laws. Rosa Parks is celebrated as the 'Mother of the Civil Rights Movement' for her significant contributions to advancing social justice and equality in America.

Contention

While the resolution is largely symbolic and intended to honor Parks' legacy, discussions around its significance may lead to broader conversations about the current state of civil rights in the United States. Some may argue that dedicating a day to Rosa Parks could be seen as an insufficient gesture in the face of ongoing social issues related to race. Additionally, the celebration of such historical figures may provoke reflection on the areas where society still falls short of the ideals that Parks exemplified, thereby prompting calls for more substantive changes in policies and practices relating to racial equity.