Meet Rosa Parks

Meet Rosa Parks

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Meet Rosa Parks

Years ago, places in the United States had laws that kept black people and white people apart. In some cities, laws said that black people could not sit next to white people on buses. Other laws did not allow black people to use the same drinking fountains or restrooms as white people. 

One day, an African American woman named Rosa Parks got on a bus. After she sat down, the bus became full. The bus driver told Rosa to give up her seat to a white man. Rosa refused. She believed it was not fair that she had to give up her seat.

Rosa was arrested after refusing to move. People heard about Rosa's protest against the law. Some people said there should be fairer laws. Soon, more people began demanding that the law be changed. Slowly, places in the United States began changing their laws. Bus drivers were no longer allowed to make black people give up their seats.

New laws said black people must be able to use the same drinking fountains and restrooms as white people. Rosa Parks spoke out for what she believed in. She was a person of strong character. We remember Rosa today as a hero who worked for fairness and equality. 

Multiple Choice

What did Rosa Parks refuse to do on a bus?

• A. give up her seat to an old lady

• B. sit down instead of standing up

• C. give up her seat to a white man