October 25, 2005

Troy University mourns the death of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks

MONTGOMERY —The passing of Rosa Parks in Detroit Monday was deeply felt by the Troy University family, as the University is home to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, the only museum dedicated to the civil rights leader.

“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor of Troy University. “Mrs. Parks was a major figure in our nation’s history but she was also a member of our Troy University family. We will always treasure the memories of her visits to our campus and the opportunities we shared in working to preserve her many contributions to our society.”

Troy University dedicated the three-story, 55,000 square-foot library and museum Dec. 1, 2000. The interpretive museum occupies the first floor of the building and includes space for permanent and special exhibits as well as a 103-seat multi-media auditorium. Six exhibit areas inside the museum are devoted to telling the story of the early civil rights movement in Alabama . The building also serves as the library for the University’s Montgomery Campus.

The museum is located on the site of the old Empire Theatre, the location where Mrs. Parks was arrested after defying a Montgomery bus driver’s orders to give up her seat to a white passenger as was both custom and law in the racially segregated South of the 1950s. Her actions set off the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott that brought about changes in the law that called for racial segregation of public transportation.

Dr. Cam Martindale, Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Relations, served as President of the Montgomery campus when the museum was dedicated. She said Mrs. Parks was a remarkable woman who made an impact on thousands of lives.

“I had read extensively of the good works of Mrs. Parks, but until I came to know her personally I did not fully appreciate the woman behind those good works,” Dr. Martindale said. “Her legacy of fairness and decency will live forever in our hearts. We are proud that the library and museum that bears her name will always be a part of Troy University .”