African American World . History . My Story

CIVIL RIGHTS TODAY

So much has changed in the past forty six years, what would you say to young people today?

I always encourage children to stay in school, get good grades, and to believe in themselves. Of course they should take care of their health and keep themselves from certain things that would be detrimental to them either physically or mentally. They should be sure to get the best education that they can and choose careers that they can be progressive in as they go into their adulthood. In our Pathways to Freedom Institute and our Institute for Self Development, we take young people on trips and give them opportunities to meet many civil rights leaders. We teach them to be good citizens and do what they can do to help other people as they become successful themselves. I urge children to have a spiritual awareness in their lives. If children work towards a positive goal in life, it will help them be successful when they become adults.

What do you think still needs to be done in regards to civil rights?

People need to free their minds of racial prejudice and believe in equality for all and freedom regardless of race. We need much more education - especially those who are narrow-minded. We need as much financial security as we can get. I think it would be a good thing if all people were treated equally and justly and not be discriminated against because of race or religion or anything that makes them different from others.

Do you think the relationships between the different races are where they should be today?

There is still as much racism among some people. It still exists, but we are not under the legally enforced segregation that we used to be. There are still people who are prejudiced because of race. The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute accepts people of any race. We don't discriminate against anyone. We teach people to reach their highest potential. I set examples by the way I lead my life.

What is your life like now? Are you still fighting for civil rights?

I am still a supporter of civil and human rights. I attend programs and I participate in the organization that I developed, the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development. Raymond Parks is my late husband. He was interested in civil rights himself.

Are there still people who treat you unfairly?

Yes. In 1994 a man entered my home and beat and robbed me. I was badly hurt and felt sad. It wasn't racial. He just broke into my house. He was on drugs and alcohol. He was arrested and is serving a sentence. I was not the only person he robbed and attacked. He robbed and mistreated older people and women. I recovered from the attack and went on with what I have to do.

PARTING THOUGHTS

Have you ever faced something that you thought you couldn't stand up to?

I can't think of anything. Usually, if I have to face something, I do so no matter what the consequences might be. I never had any desire to give up. I did not feel that giving up would be a way to become a free person. That's the way I still feel. By standing up to something we still don't always affect change right away. Even when we are brave and have courage, change still doesn't come about for a long time.

Did you ever see the Ku Klux Klan?

No, I never saw the Klansmen. But I did know that they had gone through the community and mistreated people and drove them from their homes. I saw the results of what had happened. I do remember a young man who was found lying dead in the woods and nobody saw who had done it.

How did you feel when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed?

It was a very devastating feeling. I felt very badly that he had been assassinated. I grieved very much about his death.

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