*Detroit, MI — Elaine Eason-Steele, Co-founder of the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development [www.rosaparks.org] conveyed her thanks to The Howard G. Buffet Foundation this week, for deciding to loan civil rights icon Rosa Parks‘ memorabilia to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
The Howard G. Buffett Foundation recently purchased the archive collection of some 1,500 items, which includes Parks’ personal letters, photographs, clothing, furniture, as well as letters from presidents, together with her Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. Buffett’s foundation ultimately selected the world’s largest library to display the artifacts. “My goal was always to ensure this historic collection would be made available for the public’s benefit so that as many people as possible can learn about Rosa Parks and the sacrifices she made to support the civil rights movement,” Buffett said in a statement.
Eason-Steele stated, “We are pleased and appreciative of The Howard G. Buffet Foundation for their level of awareness in choosing to loan Mrs. Parks’ memorabilia to the Library of Congress. We know that she would be proud that her legacy will be conveyed in the high esteem that it deserves, and be available to the world to learn from and cherish.”
Rosa Parks, who died in 2005 at the age of 92, became an iconic and beloved figure in American history when on December 1, 1955 she refused to relinquish a seat she had paid for on a Montgomery bus to a white man. Parks was ultimately arrested under a city ordinance that mandated segregated buses. However, her courageous action led to a major shift in the U.S. Civil Rights movement and a boycott that lasted over a year, bringing worldwide attention to discrimination.
On commemorating the establishment of the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development in 1987, Rosa Parks said, “Children are my passion and I believe that everyone can make a difference in their lives. Our young people are curious, eager to learn, and need the guidance of mentors who care about their development. After all, they are our future and we must someday depend on their leadership. We hope to encourage an environment of dignity, responsibility, and a commitment to treat others as we wish to be treated.”
About The Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development:
Founded in February 1987, The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development [www.rosaparks.org], is a non-profit organization that was co-founded by Mrs. Rosa Parks and Ms. Elaine Eason Steele, in honor of Raymond Parks (1903 – 1977). It is the living legacy of two individuals who committed their lives to civil and human rights. The mission of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development is to motivate youth to reach their highest potential based on Mrs. Parks’ philosophy of “Quiet Strength”.
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