A Bowling Green State University delegation of more than 40 students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members
attended the Rosa Parks Memorial Service at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit …
“I'd like people to say I'm a person who always wanted to be free and wanted it not only for myself; freedom is for all human
beings.”
Rosa Lee Parks
1913-2005
Personal Reflections
“How could someone so small in physical stature have such an incredible impact on American society? Rosa Parks had the courage
to challenge a system that had oppressed an entire segment of Americans. There is sadness that she is gone, but a positive
feeling in seeing that people of all ages and ethnicity are here to pay their respects. This indicates that her legacy still
resonates, not only with people who lived through the struggles of America 's civil rights era, but also with those born after
these historic times. You are humbled in the presence of someone so courageous and can only hope that one can, in some small
way, be inspired to contribute to the well-being of America as she did. We are all freer, and America is a better place, because
she passed this way.”
Steve Kendall
Director, Student Technology Center
Information Technology Services
“I felt today that I was a part of a very historical moment in time. To actually view a woman so slight yet so powerful in
terms of her overall impact on the United States is something I will never forget. I am very appreciative of the opportunity
to participate in this sad, but historic event.”
Jill Carr
Associate Dean of Students, Office of Student Life
“This was an important trip to pay our respects to one of the greatest Americans of the 20th century. Rosa Parks is a role
model for every person who respects basic human rights and dignity. It was an honor to be in her presence today and humbling
to see such a towering figure.”
Zach Hilpert
President, Graduate Student Senate and American culture studies major
“Today is a time to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman. She has made such a tremendous impact in American culture. Rosa
Parks is a selfless woman that devoted her entire life to the “struggle.” We should all feel blessed to have her in our lives.
We should stand for Rosa Parks because she refused to stand on the bus.”
Aquilla Wheadon
Vice President, Black Student Union and nursing major
“I was very excited to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Mrs. Rosa Parks. Our society would certainly be very different
had she not taken a stand on that day. It always amazes me how the act of one person can make such a big difference. While
Rosa Parks was small in stature, her courage and fortitude were tremendous.”
Bettina Shuford
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director, Center for Multicultural and Academic Initiatives
“I find it very sad that one of our cultural icons has died. I think it is amazing that one act could help unite the nation.
Even today, I think we should continue to work toward becoming a united people, because we still segregate ourselves even
today.”
Michael Lambert
Secretary, Vision and nursing major
“Rosa Parks was a great civil rights leader, and today was a fitting tribute for her. It was an honor to attend. I'm glad
that our University recognized the accomplishments of Mrs. Parks and organized this trip.”
Aaron Shumaker
President, Undergraduate Student Government and applied health science major
“I am thoroughly inspired and humbled by the experience of Rosa Parks' life and hope that I would make her proud that I honor
her memory and try in my simplest tasks to be as courageous and humble to be of service. I am sure that what she did, she
did because of her great faith and her service to God.
Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall
I be afraid?
The power of ‘one.' Rosa Parks did something monumental when she sat down and stood up for our rights. She became the voice
for millions of African-Americans who individually protested segregation and racism at the risk of their lives. Rosa embodied
every individual action and thought for freedom and civil liberty. Freedom and civil rights are precious commodities to be
protected and cherished. They are gained by the sacrifice of great people who have gone on before us.
I pray that my memory never fails to the point that I don't remember the people or events that have garnered my freedom of
choice and my civil rights. Rosa Parks could and did and so can I. There's no task too big, but there are big tasks still
to do. What a beautiful little lady did for me, I will never forget.”
Sylvia Chandler
Personnel Technician, Human Resources
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