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Modern Day Rosa L Parks?

Their names are Moya Holly, Jonathan Williams, Jeremy Selmar and Joe Pernell. 

Are these four people the 2020 Edition of the Civil Rights Activist, Rosa L Parks? Will their names go down in Montgomery Alabama Civil Rights History, for the action they have been accused of?

The aforementioned protestors were arrested for the removal of the Confederate Robert Lee statue in which the Montgomery Public School (MPS) was named. Lee’s name and statue on a MPS high school, has an enrollment of a predominantly black student body.  The name of the high school has caused frustration for many Montgomery area residents.

We at inCity Magazine are excited to announce the roll out of a series of opinion articles simply entitled, “Modern Day Rosa L Parks?”

The Making of “Modern Day Rosa L Parks?” Multi Article Series

As a product of the south, Montgomery Alabama to be exact; the Publisher of inCity Magazine’s, Christopher Thomas, has grown up around, experienced and studied racism. In addition, for 20+ years he has worked in an industry predominantly run by White Americans, as a Marketing Professional.

“My parents always taught us to love and have respect for everyone, that’s the only thing I know. So to see and experience all this is very disappointing … it really hurts. But I look forward to and have faith in a spiritual hope and promise that things will be cleaned up very soon”, says Christopher Thomas.

While discussing the subject with the editorial team of inCity Magazine, names of many civil right leaders were mentioned and a decision on the actions that Montgomery City and County leaders took on the matter … then the question came up “Are these people the Modern Day Rosa Parks?”

What Activated The Action of Robert Lee statue removal?

Racism is the seed of a national controversy in The United States of America. Currently, that conversation has escalated over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. Though the officer has since been arrested, protests (peaceful/non peaceful) and riots have spread to cities around the country and world. This issue has taken a front seat discussion with many different races, cult type organizations, interest groups and businesses.

Many businesses have shown support and have started to realize that this is a discussion that needs to be had. Some have molded into their mission, the importance of equality … culturally, society and in the workplace. One association that is supporting the efforts is Certified B Corporation.

The History of Robert Lee

According to Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870) was an American and Confederate soldier best known as a commander of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Between 1865 and his death in 1870, Lee accepted “the extinction of slavery” provided for by the Thirteenth Amendment, but opposed racial equality for African Americans. Lee enjoys the status of a cultural icon in the South and is largely hailed as one of the Civil War’s greatest generals

The History of Rosa L Parks

According to the official website of Rosa L Parks: “Rosa Louise Parks was nationally recognized as the “mother of the modern day civil rights movement” in America. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white male passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, December 1, 1955, triggered a wave of protest December 5, 1955 that reverberated throughout the United States. Her quiet courageous act changed America, its view of black people and redirected the course of history.”

Rosa Parks, an African American, was arrested that day for violating a city law requiring racial segregation of public buses. On the city buses of Montgomery, Alabama, the front 10 seats were permanently reserved for white passengers. 

Many describe Rosa L Parks as Courageous and a barrier breaker in history. 

This article series will certainly keep you on edge and will be filled with some very interesting opinions. We encourage you to follow this series written by many guest writers. 

Are you interested in submitting your written opinion to be published by inCity Magazine, please email incity@inmmgroup.com