The Henry Ford Celebrates the Legacy of Rosa Parks

DEARBORN, Mich.--Nov. 9, 2005--"It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong" - Abraham Lincoln. The Henry Ford invites all citizens on December 1, to honor and celebrate a simple act of courage that changed the country forever.

At the Henry Ford Museum, in partnership with Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, the history of the Montgomery bus boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks' courageous refusal to give up her seat on a city bus on December 1, 1955, will be recognized in the day-long celebration, "Celebrate Rosa Parks."

The event will feature keynote speakers Wayne Greenhaw and Donnie Williams, authors of the new book, "The Thunder of Angels: The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the People Who Broke the Back of Jim Crow." The authors will also participate in a question and answer session as well as book signing.

Other highlights of the celebration include a speech by Henry Ford Academy teacher, Jesse Daniels, who as a college student in Alabama participated in the 1955 bus boycott and a presentation of a Proclamation from Governor Granholm and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

"It is our privilege to remember and honor the historic act of courage displayed by Rosa Parks," said Steve Hamp, president, The Henry Ford. "We can educate and inspire young minds by recounting her bravery and heroism. It is important to honor her legacy."

All activities will take place in the Henry Ford Museum near the Rosa Parks bus between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Highlights of the events include:

-- Live musical performances by North Star Gospel Chorale featuring songs of the Civil Rights Movement

-- Live dramatic performances including "No Riders Today" and "Minds on Freedom"

-- Student presentations (winners of essay & poetry contest)

-- Screenings of "Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks"

The event is free with admission to Henry Ford Museum.

About The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan, was founded in 1929 by automotive pioneer Henry Ford. This multi-venue destination includes Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford IMAX Theater, The Benson Ford Research Center, and The Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The Henry Ford, America's Greatest History Attraction, is the history destination that brings the American Experience to life. For more information, visit www.thehenryford.org.

About The Episcopal Diocese

The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan is composed of 92 churches in southeastern and south-central lower Michigan. Sixteen are in the city of Detroit. Others are stretching from Clarkston to Monroe and Mount Clemens to Hillsdale. College chaplaincies at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University and more than a dozen social service agencies are also part of the varied ministry of the diocese. For more information on the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan visit www.edomi.org or call 313/833-4422.