FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 01, 2005

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi Statement on 50th Anniversary of Rosa Parks’ Brave Act of Defiance

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Ala. on Dec. 1, 1955:

“Today we remember a courageous woman, Rosa Parks, and her brave act of defiance, 50 years ago in Montgomery, Alabama.

“When I spoke in Detroit at her funeral last month, I made the commitment that Rosa Parks would be the first African American woman to be represented by a statue in our nation’s Capitol.  This legislation unanimously passed both houses of Congress, and today, that promise was made real as President Bush signed the bill into law.

“Around the country today, buses will be leaving a seat at the front empty in honor of Ms. Parks.  This is a fitting tribute to a heroic American who committed herself to freeing our country from the bonds of injustice.

“As we celebrate and remember Rosa Parks today, we must also renew and recommit to living and acting out the high ideals embodied in her life.  We must give our hearts, minds, and bodies to creating a more perfect union of economic and social equality, a world committed to peace and an American family standing together.  Because of Rosa Parks, we know we can do better.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi