On October 26, the House approved, by voice vote, a bill (H.R. 2967) that would designate the federal building located at 333 Mt. Elliott Street in Detroit, Michigan, as the “Rosa Parks Federal Building.” The Senate approved a similar bill (S. 1285) by unanimous consent the same day. Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) sponsored the legislation.
Explaining that Rosa Parks lived in her district for almost fifty years, Rep. Kilpatrick stated, “The building that we are naming in honor of Mrs. Rosa Parks is the Federal building in Detroit that houses our Immigration and Homeland Security Department. It will soon be called the Rosa Parks Federal Building. What a tribute to a young woman who dedicated her life, her very soul, her self-respect to building a better, stronger America for all of its people. Mrs. Parks was one who did not like a lot of fanfare. She did what she had to do, and she spent her life working with the youth of America, letting them know that they can be and do what they want to be and do, that with the spirit of God they can be that power that we must have in our country. It was young people that she dedicated her life to…On December 1, 1955, 50 years ago this December 1, Mrs. Rosa Parks sat down so that we might stand up. Our country is better for it, and the world is better for Mrs. Rosa Parks. The Rosa Parks Federal Building in Detroit will stand as a witness to her sacrifice, her self-respect, and her courage.”
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that “we all know the story of that December evening in 1955 when a 42-year-old black woman riding a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, refused to give up her seat at the demand of a white male passenger. This simple gesture, it was indeed more than a gesture; it was an act, and an action that our country will never forget, led to the disintegration of institutionalized segregation in much of the South and ushered in a new era now known as the civil rights era of our country. Characteristically, Ms. Parks always played down her courageous act. Her strength of character and quiet, but determined sense of justice changed our country, however.” She added, “Rosa Parks’ story has now become legendary in American history. I am honored to support this bill. It is a most fitting way to respect her life and to acknowledge her lifelong contributions to equality and justice for all Americans.”
Calling Rosa Parks “one courageous woman who did what she believed was fair and right,” Sen. Stabenow stated, “She is a testament to the power of one individual willing to fight for her beliefs. Her actions set the Civil Rights Movement in motion and set a precedent for protest without violence. I would like to thank Rosa Parks for her contribution to freedom and justice for all men and women in this country. Her actions changed the course of history…Nicknamed the ‘Mother of Civil Rights,’ Parks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 the highest civilian award this Nation can bestow. Naming the building that currently houses the Federal Homeland Security office in Detroit is but one more way for our Nation to recognize and thank Mrs. Parks for her contribution to our country. It is an honor she richly deserves, and one I urge my colleagues to support.”
