Goodbye, Rosa

I felt honored to be involved in planning an 80th birthday party for Rosa Parks back in San Diego twelve years ago. The Mesa College Humanities Institute sponsored this community event, and school children from all over the city were bussed into the college stadium to celebrate with her. She spoke to them in a quiet, dignified manner about the importance of treating each other with respect. What impressed me most about Ms. Parks that memorable day was her unpretentious manner for someone so important to a nation’s history. She was indeed a national treasure, and her contributions will not be forgotten. May she rest in peace.