Jeb Hensarling: “today, Americans honor the life and legacy of Rosa Parks. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1914, Rosa Parks would become…”

“today, Americans honor the life and legacy of Rosa Parks. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1914, Rosa Parks would become one of the most influential names in America's Civil Rights movement. In December 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, after a long day of work at a local department store, Rosa Parks paid her fare and took a seat on the bus. When she was asked to move to the back of the bus so that white passengers could take her seat, she refused. Through her quiet yet courageous action, Rosa Parks will forever remain a lasting example of dignity and nonviolent protest in the quest for equality. By refusing to go to the back of the bus, she moved America forward. And by refusing to stand up and yield, she empowered future generations to stand up for themselves and their civil liberties. Rosa Parks not only helped change the laws of our country, she helped transform the hearts and minds of the American people, which has helped lead America closer toward the goal of a truly colorblind society.”