In the popular narrative, Rosa Parks is a work-weary seamstress whose “tired feet” compelled her to break character and single-handedly launch the modern civil rights movement. For over two decades now, historians have been writing against the conception of Parks as an accidental activist. Still, the symbolic version of Parks persists and fuels larger myths about the civil rights movement. In this presentation, Dr Greer explores how Parks’ media representation encouraged an iconic image that, while celebratory and inspiring, is at odds with her record fighting Jim Crow and its many abuses and informs current day notions about black protest.

Dr. Brenna Greer, Historian, Wellesley College

This event will be held online, via Zoom. Advanced registration is required to access the link. Please register using our Eventbrite page.

Thank you to our event sponsors, Frank and Emily Hunnewell.