Rosa Parks Memorial Project at Mesa College
Rosa 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.
DESCRIPTION: An MTS Transit Stop and surrounds at the new east gateway entrance to San Diego Mesa College is being developed to honor civil rights activist Rosa Parks, who had a special relationship with Mesa College and made several visits to the college in the early 1990s.
ARTISTS: Public Art Team: Dr. Gerda Govine-Ituarte, Ed.D., Diversity Expert; Nina Karavasiles, Public Artist; Mesa College Prof. Mario Lara, Public Artist. Contact: mlara@cox.net;
COMMUNITY FORUM:
6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Joe and Vi Jacobs Center, Community Room, Market Creek Plaza, 404 Euclid Ave. San Diego, near the corner of Market Street and Euclid. Speakers at the forum will include Dr. Rita M. Cepeda, President, Mesa College; Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District; and Elizabeth Hamilton, Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. A presentation by the artists creating the memorial will be made by public artists Nina Karavasiles and Mario Lara, and diversity specialist Dr. Gerda Govine-Ituarte, Ed.D. Community speakers will include representatives from the Jo and Vi Jacobs Foundation, the NAACP, and the West Coast Black Publishers Association.
CONSTRUCTION: Construction: Summer 2009; Completion: Fall, 2009
ROSA PARKS/QUIET STRENGTH CAMPUS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Beginning Fall2009: Academic and learning experiences focusing on the attributes and legacy of Mrs. Parks, including: Quiet Strength; Identity and empowerment; Diversity and inclusion; Civic engagement; Leadership/mentorship and service
EVENTS -- Unveiling and dedication: Fall 2009 (Date TBD)
Commemoration of the 54th anniversary of Rosa Park’s act of civil disobedience: December 1, 2009
Rosa Parks Images
Culinary Slideshow (may be temporarily unavailable or is disabled in your browser settings)