Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), and Steven Horsford (NV-04) led 30 of their House colleagues in introducing the Rosa Parks Day Act to designate December 1st as a federal holiday commemorating the arrest of Rosa Parks. Rep. Sewell was an original co-sponsor of the Rosa Parks Day Act in the 117th Congress and is now leading the introduction of the bill in the 118th Congress.

“For my very first bill in the 118th Congress, I’m proud to be introducing the Rosa Parks Day Act!” said Rep. Sewell. “On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks sat so that this nation could stand up for the values that our democracy holds so dear. Her quiet, dignified courage helped inspire the Civil Rights Movement and changed this country for the better. As the U.S. Representative for Montgomery, I’m committed to ensuring the memory of Rosa Parks’ brave sacrifice is never forgotten by designating December 1st as a federal holiday in her honor.”  

“On December 1st, 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama – sparking a revolution that ignited the Civil Rights movement. She epitomized the Power of One,” said Rep. Beatty. “Her life and actions on that historic December day more than 50 years ago have inspired people across the country and around the world to stand up against discrimination and work peacefully to create a more just and fair society.”

Beatty continued, “As a state legislator, I was proud to lead the push to make the Buckeye State the first state to officially recognize Rosa Parks Day. It's now time for us to come together as a nation to honor this American hero through a new national holiday.” 

“Rosa Parks is an icon in the story of civil rights and justice for Black Americans,” said Rep. Steven Horsford, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Her brave and bold actions helped launch a movement for progress and equality, and her story must continue to be told as part of our nation’s history. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to designate December 1st as Rosa Parks Day, to ensure that all Americans recognize the struggles we have endured as a nation to create a more perfect union.” – Congressman Steven Horsford, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus

On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. Her arrest helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most consequential events of the Civil Rights Movement. While several states have adopted their own holiday honoring Mrs. Parks, there is currently no federal holiday recognizing her contribution to the Civil Rights Movement and to our nation.

Bill text is available here.