6 events in Montgomery celebrating Rosa Parks’ legacy 68 years after the bus boycott

In 1995, Rosa Parks changed the trajectory of the U.S. by refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery City bus. Now, nearly 70 years later, her bravery is celebrated nationwide.

The City of Montgomery has a series of events to commemorate the anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and we’ve got all the details.

68th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

According to a press release, Mayor Steven L. Reed and the City of Montgomery will commemorate the 68th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott with a series of events honoring Montgomery’s role as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement.

These events will feature reflections on the city’s impact and its continuing efforts for equal rights.

In the release, Mayor Reed expressed the value of these events and how they offer insight into the history and uniqueness of Montgomery.

“As the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, our city has long been a symbol of progress and justice.

This commemoration is part of an experience unique to Montgomery that offers visitors the chance to explore tangible links to America’s quest for justice, truth and reconciliation while learning firsthand about that time from many leaders of the Movement, who are still with us today.

We are honored to work with our partners and stand on the shoulders of the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement.”

Steven L. Reed, Mayor, City of Montgomery

Schedule of events to celebrate Rosa Parks’ legacy

As Mayor Reed stated in the release, these events will provide a chance for visitors to explore Montgomery’s role in America’s quest for justice and reconciliation while hearing firsthand accounts from leaders of the Civil Rights Movement who are still alive today.

1. Rosa Parks Day Rally and Unity Walk

• What: Rally at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church followed by a Unity Walk down Dexter Avenue to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum.
• When: Friday, December 1 | 5:30-6:30PM
• Where: Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, 454 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 

2. Rosa Parks Day Community Convocation

• What: A worship experience to develop a common goal of combating racism and inequality with guest speaker Dr. Tommie “TONEA” Stewart, Dean of Alabama State’s College of Visual & Performing Arts. Plus, Rosa Parks Day Awards will be presented to those who are recognized for commitment to civil rights, voting rights, voter education + overall civic service.
• When: Friday, December 1 | 7PM
• Where: Saint Paul AME Church, 706 E Patton Ave, Montgomery, AL 36111   

3. The Inaugural Rosa Parks Junior Golf Tournament

• What: The Rosa Parks Day Junior Golf Classic celebrates the fight for equality and honors Parks’ legacy.
• When: Saturday, December 1-Sunday, December 2
• Where: Lagoon Park, 2855 Lagoon Park Dr, Montgomery, AL 36109   
• Who: Ages 12-18, Championship is open to ages 15-18
• Cost: $195
• Register

4. 2nd Annual Rosa L. Parks Awards Gala

• What: This annual event with the Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute (SLYDI) pays homage to Mrs. Rosa L. Parks’s role in the nation’s history and the civil rights movement. This year, SLYDI will honor nine women from across the country who embody the dignity and strength Mrs. Parks demonstrated in her activism for social empowerment.
• When: Saturday, December 2 | 7PM
• Where: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104
• Tickets

5. MYPC Mini Summit: From Here Forward: Millennial and Gen Z Voting Power After Milligan v Allen

• What: This panel will discuss a recent Supreme Court victory and will focus on digital engagement and intersectionality and creating a frame focusing on civic engagement and voting power for Millennials and Gen Z voters.
• When: Monday, December 3 | 3-5PM
• Where: The Lab on Dexter, 150 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104

6. The Mass Meeting: Honoring The Past: Embracing Our Future

• What: Mayor Steven L. Reed, Grammy winner Gospel Artist Jekalyn Carr, Activist David Banner, Dr. E Dewey Smith, Milligan V Merrill Lead Plaintiff Evan Milligan, Carver High School Choir and Montgomery’s first-ever formed Montgomery United Mass Choir join together for the ultimate celebration.
• When: Monday, December 3 | 6PM
• Where: Holt Street Baptist Church, 903 S Holt St, Montgomery, AL 36108

Montgomery remains a beautiful and powerful symbol of efforts made to ensure equal rights—join the celebration of these efforts this weekend.

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