This book is dedicated to the memory of

my mother, Leona McCauley,

and my husband, Raymond A. Parks.

I am grateful to Elaine Steele, my friend, traveling companion, and Executive Director of

the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development, for her help with this book.

To Rosa Parks

Whose creative witness was the great force that led to the

modern stride toward freedom

Martin L. King, Jr.

— Inscription written by Dr. King on the frontispiece

of his book Stride Toward Freedom, a copy of which

he gave to Rosa Parks.