Dearborn Officials Honor Rosa Parks, Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated in the U.S. throughout the month of February.

Established as Black History Week by American historian Carter G. Woodson, the first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for the celebration to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and editor Frederick Douglass.

In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents declare February National African-American History Month.

This year marks an especially significant Black History Month, as Feb. 4 is also the celebration of the 100th birthday of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks.

More:

Dearborn politicians also marked the day with declarations of support for the month, and for Parks.

State Sen. Morris Hood

Today, we wish a very happy 100th Birthday to a tremendously brave woman and Civil Rights Movement icon, Rosa Parks. Though Ms. Parks is no longer with us, she impacted each and every one of us as a result of her courage in Montgomery, Alabama and her later years living in Detroit.

Our office has a personal and historical connection with Rosa Parks. In 2005, when I was a State Representative, we passed legislation to re-name a portion of I-96, between I-75 and US-24 (Telegraph Rd.), in honor of Ms. Parks. I will never forget the day that I was joined by Ms. Parks’ family and Governor Jennifer Granholm as the bill was signed to create the “Rosa Parks Memorial Highway.” Next time you are driving down I-96, please watch for the commemorative sign honoring Ms. Parks and take a moment to appreciate how her struggles changed our society for the better

U.S. Rep. John Dingell

Throughout our Nation’s history, leaders from the African-American community have worked tirelessly to take steps towards advancing equality, ending prejudice, and overcoming hate. This country is stronger because of the work of African-Americans nationwide, playing an enormous role in shaping the cultural and intellectual identity of our Nation.

I have worked throughout my career in Congress to help promote the very same tenets of justice and equality, and I’m honored to serve as the lone member of this body to have voted in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964 and 1965. As we take time this month to reflect on the countless contributions made by African-Americans to our great Nation, we must also look to the future and all who will come after to continue to advance the goals of equality and fairness, regardless of the color of one’s skin.

On this, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks, I urge Southeast Michigan residents and all Americans to join me in recognizing the honor of her fight—and the fight of all who battle injustice—as we recognize and commemorate Black History Month.

Rep. George Darany also announced his introduction of House Resolution 10, which was approved by the state House on Jan. 23. HR 10 marks Feb. 4 as the Rosa Parks Day of Courage in the state of Michigan.

"I am proud to join with the citizens of Michigan in remembering this historic individual who served as a catalyst for justice and equality," Darany said in a statement.