Montgomery events honor Rosa Parks Day and 68th anniversary of Bus Boycott
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Four days of celebration and reflection are coming this weekend with the 68th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the legacy of civil rights icon Rosa Parks — who famously refused to give up her city bus seat to a white passenger almost 70 years ago.
Presented by Mayor Steven L. Reed, most of this weekend's events are free and open to the public.
“As the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, our city has long been a symbol of progress and justice," Reed said in a release. "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."
Rosa Parks Day Rally and Unity Walk
Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Location: Steps of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, 454 Dexter Ave., Montgomery
Info: Celebrate Rosa Parks Day. There will be a rally at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, followed by a Unity Walk down Dexter Avenue to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. Note that the museum is currently closed while renovations are happening.
Rosa Parks Day Community Convocation
Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Saint Paul AME Church, 706 E Patton Ave., Montgomery
Info: Come to Saint Paul AME for a worship experience to develop a common goal of combating racism and inequality. Rosa Parks Day Awards will be presented to those who are recognized for their leadership and commitment to civil rights, voting rights, voter education, and overall civic service. The convocation speaker will be actress and retired Alabama State University educator Dr. Tommie “Tonea” Stewart.
The Inaugural Rosa Parks Junior Golf Tournament
Date: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Lagoon Park, 2855 Lagoon Park Drive, Montgomery
Info: The Rosa Parks Day Junior Golf Classic is more than just a golf tournament; it's a tribute to the civil rights icon Rosa Parks. This event celebrates the fight for equality and honors her legacy. The championship is open to boys and girls ages 15-18. For more information visit, www.leogolfacademy.com/rosaparksdayjuniorgolfclassic2023
2nd annual Rosa L. Parks Awards Gala
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, 201 Tallapoosa St.
Info: The Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute will host its second annual Rosa Parks Gala. This annual event pays homage to Rosa L. Parks's role in our 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 Parks demonstrated in her activism for social empowerment. Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships are now available for purchase at eventbrite.com/e/annual-rosa-parks-awards-gala-tickets-753455665177.
MYPC Mini Summit: From Here Forward: Millennial and Gen Z Voting Power After Milligan v Allen
Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: The Lab on Dexter, 150 Dexter Ave, Montgomery
Info: The panel will discuss a recent Supreme Court victory led by Millennials and Gen Z, focusing on digital engagement and intersectionality, and creating a frame focusing on civic engagement and voting power for Millennials and Gen Z voters moving forward.
The Mass Meeting — Honoring The Past: Embracing Our Future
Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Holt Street Baptist Church, 1870 S. Court St.
Info: This event will feature Mayor Steven L. Reed, Grammy winning gospel artist Jekalyn Carr, activist David Banner, Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Milligan v. Merrill lead plaintiff Evan Milligan, the Carver High School choir, and Montgomery's first-ever formed Montgomery United Mass Choir.
Take in Montgomery’s civil rights tourism spots
Montgomery is a living history book full of locations connected to Rosa Parks, the Montgomery Bus Boycott and other civil rights tourism spots. Here are a few you might want to take in, or plan for your next visit:
Free tours of Rosa Parks' apartment: Montgomery Housing Authority invites guests to tour the home of Rosa Parks, 660 Cleveland Court. The items inside have been preserved or recreated to showcase where many important Civil Rights Movement meetings were held. Parks lived there from 1951 to 1957. Tours are available Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but must be scheduled. Schedule a free tour by calling 334-425-1348 or by visiting rosaparkshome.com
Freedom Rides Museum: The museum at 210 South Court Street in Montgomery is the former location of a Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station. It was the site of a violent attack on participants in the 1961 Freedom Ride during the Civil Rights Movement. It’s open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for college students, seniors and military, $3 for kids age 6-18, and free for kids under 6. They have a family bundle pack of $12 for two adults and two kids. Learn more online at ahc.alabama.gov/properties/freedomrides/freedomrides.aspx
Civil Rights Memorial Center: Located at the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 8-18. Learn more at splcenter.org/civil-rights-memorial
EJI’s Legacy Sites: Equal Justice Initiative has two locations in Montgomery that are available to visit for a single ticket cost of $5 this weekend: The Legacy Museum, 400 N. Court St., and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, 417 Caroline St.. Guests should plan for 3-5 hours at the museum, 1-2 hours at the memorial. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EJI will soon open its new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park at 831 Walker St. Learn more at legacysites.eji.org/visit
Rosa Parks Museum: Unfortunately, the Rosa Parks Museum in downtown Montgomery will be closed this weekend as it undergoes technical renovations. It is expected to reopen in mid-January. It is located at 252 Montgomery St. and is part of the Troy University Campus in downtown Montgomery. For updates, visit troy.edu/student-life-resources/arts-culture/rosa-parks-museum/index.html
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery events honor Rosa Parks Day and Bus Boycott anniversary