While Valentine’s Day tends to get most of the hype in February, there are several other holidays this month that hold immense historical significance. One of those days falls on Feb. 4, the birthday of civil rights activist Rosa Parks. Labeled by U.S. Congress as “the first lady of civil rights,” Parks is most widely known for her refusal to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. “THE FIRST LADY OF CIVIL RIGHTS” A COMMEMORATION OF On Dec. 1, 1955, Parks boarded the Cleveland Avenue bus for her journey home from work. She took a seat in the first several rows designated for “colored” passengers. Soon, the bus began to fill with white passengers, and the driver noticed that many of them were standing in the aisle. He then ordered those in the “colored” row to give up their seats. While the three other riders complied, Parks stayed put. She said, “I don't think I should have to stand up,” and the driver had her arrested. Her arrest sparked the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott and served as a major catalyst for the overall success of the civil rights movement. Parks was a person on a mission to stand up for what is right in the world, and she paved the way for others to do the same. Over 60 years later, our current political climate often demonstrates that as profound as Parks’ actions were, there are still many people residing in our country who don’t believe
SPEAK FROM THE HEART
It’s May 1, 1969. As the war continues in Vietnam, people gather in the Senate Subcommittee on Communications in D.C. to fight for what they believe is critical to the American public. Proposed budget cuts to Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) threaten the programs that have become dear to so many, and $20 million is on the line. For a public television station, this is everything. Over the course of two days, Senator John Pastore, chairperson of the subcommittee, has listened to speech after speech about why PBS should be awarded the funding. He’s tired of hearing the same bland data and is eager to have the ordeal over with. Then Fred Rogers, host of the newly syndicated series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” steps up to the microphone. Unlike his fellow speakers, Mr. Rogers doesn’t use numbers or research to persuade Senator Pastore. In the calm voice many of us associate with our childhoods, Fred Rogers shares with Senator Pastore the reasons why he’s concerned about what children see on television. Two minutes after Rogers has begun talking, Pastore’s demeanor changes — his face softens, and he can tell Rogers has something important to say. From his work in child development, Rogers has come to empathize with and understand the worries and fears of children. He explains to Senator Pastore that he’s created a show for children, saying, “I feel that if we in public television can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, we will have done a great service for mental health.” He doesn’t speak from the piece of paper in front of him; he speaks from his heart. Rogers shares with Pastore what he tells viewers at the end of each episode: “You’ve made this day a special day just by being you.” “I’d like to see this program,” Pastore says. Five minutes into the speech, he is transformed, just like anyone who’s seen Rogers’ show. “I’m supposed to be a pretty tough guy, and this is the first time I’ve had goosebumps for the last two days,” Pastore tells him. How has Rogers swayed the senator? He hasn’t waved a magic wand or given a dramatic performance, but Rogers’ passion is so palpable, even Senator Pastore can’t help being won over. After Rogers shares the words of one the songs he features in “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” Pastore has heard enough. “I think it’s wonderful,” Pastore declares. “Looks like you just earned the $20 million.” If you’d like to see Mr. Rogers' testimony for yourself, you can check it out at youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7ljRr0AA. HOW MR. ROGERS SAVED PBS
all men and women are created equal. In fact, it almost seems as though we’ve reverted back to a time where it’s acceptable to be racist. We’ve gone against Parks’ efforts to prove that based on our constitution, every person should have the same rights, and we’ve gone against the very ideas symbolized by the Statue of Liberty. My own father immigrated to the U.S. from Holland when he was 18. He came here because he sought the equal opportunities embodied in our nation’s social fabric. He believed that America stood for liberty, but it truly seems that we’ve taken a step back. Hopefully more people will take time this month to commemorate Parks’ birthday and follow her example to stand up for the equality, liberty, and rights of all men and women.
2 | WWW.KRAMERLAWGROUP.ORG
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs