The Sitter Before Rosa Countless people have heard the story of Rosa parks and how she refused to give her seat up to a white man, but many are not informed on Elizabeth Graham, her efforts, or her as a person. Rosa parks was a civil rights activist during the 1950s that helped shape the United States of America, especially the south. 100 before Ms. Parks, known to be the “first lady of civil rights”, there was young lady by the name of Elizabeth Graham. Elizabeth Graham was a young school teacher who fought for her right, and the rights of women and African Americans, to ride horse drawn carriages or, coaches. Her efforts were twofold, fighting the extreme battles of, gender and racial inequalities. Thus giving her the right to be recognized for a memorial in her name. Grahams efforts in the 1850s has inspired many young women to become empowered, unknowingly paving the way for them to stand strong in times when women had no respect. From Rosa Parks actions in the 1950s, to Maya Angelo’s powerful poems, Elizabeth Graham was a forerunner. A memorial in remembrance of her will potentially allow young girls to become
…show more content…
Rosa Parks’ 100 years later, and have gone somewhat unnoticed. At the time in New York shortly after the incidents happened, the newspapers were all over it, and lawsuits were filed, and new laws in the state of New York were put into place. The main focus is, why are her labors not admired in history books comparable to those succeeding her. One response could be the location of Grahams actions. Contrary to those in history books, Graham was in the northern part of the country, free of slavery but still full of segregation and discrimination. Another retort could be that her actions weren’t as widespread because of the invention of television. Parks’ actions were televised, inevitably having her efforts rapidly spread across the country and even the
Rosa Parks’ 100 years later, and have gone somewhat unnoticed. At the time in New York shortly after the incidents happened, the newspapers were all over it, and lawsuits were filed, and new laws in the state of New York were put into place. The main focus is, why are her labors not admired in history books comparable to those succeeding her. One response could be the location of Grahams actions. Contrary to those in history books, Graham was in the northern part of the country, free of slavery but still full of segregation and discrimination. Another retort could be that her actions weren’t as widespread because of the invention of television. Parks’ actions were televised, inevitably having her efforts rapidly spread across the country and even the