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December 06, 2005
Remembering Rosa Parks: Celebration took one month to plan
Gathered at the Hamline United Methodist Church, community members reflected and celebrated the life of the late Rosa Parks through music, words and video.
“This is a celebration, not a presentation,” said Michael Elliott, one of two masters of ceremonies for the event. Following Elliott’s introduction, Laura Mann, the other master of ceremonies added, “Hopefully after tonight you will be inspired to carry the spirit of Rosa Parks with you.”
The event took roughly one month to plan, and was organized by the Committee to Remember Rosa Parks. Financial support was provided by various groups, such as HUSC, Pride BSA, MISA, and Wesley
Center Scholars. Elliot said, “The process was just as important as the event itself.”
Reverend Greg Rendstrom and Professor Colleen Bell both made brief addresses to the audience before turning it over to the 2003 Grammy nominated musical group Excelsior, who got the celebration started.
After a few songs complete with singing, clapping, and praising, all involving an enthusiastic audience, Mary K. Murray Boyd, a member of the Board of Trustees, took the floor. She challenged the audience to have justice burning in their hearts, just as Parks did.
Following Boyd’s challenge, several students took their turn at the podium to express some of their thoughts on what Rosa Parks has meant to them, or how her life has made an impact on their own. Senior
Chase Foreman attributed the opportunities he has had for friendship to the brave actions taken by Parks decades ago. Foreman also encouraged everyone to hope for, and pursue, the possible. He said, “See the things that are possible, and hope for them.”
A powerful video clip from Parks’ funeral, featuring Dr. Joseph Lowery, President of the Christian
Coalition, energized the audience, resulting in a zealous applause throughout the church. As Excelsior finished another goosebump-provoking performance, the audience showed its appreciation by a standing ovation.
One of the main portions of the evening was dedicated to Dr. Rosilyn M. Carroll, who served as the event’s keynote speaker. Carroll emphasized the importance of an equal, accepting environment for all people, regardless of race, or any other factor subject to discrimination.
“Together, we will be a strong, loving community, and we will remember Rosa, because she started it all,” Hanson said.
Posted by msveum at December 6, 2005 11:37 AM
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