Annual contest offers prizes up to $500 
As part of their mission to provide continuing education on the impact that Rosa Parks had on this nation, the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission (CRC) and the Office of Equity and Engagement are once again hosting the Rosa Parks Essay Writing Contest. Students in grades 6-12 attending a school in Grand Rapids are encouraged to write an essay and reflect on this year’s prompt:
“Healing Without Hate.” There will never be a time in American history where the heroism of Rosa Parks will be forgotten. Although she did not plan to become a hero, her heroic actions helped this nation fight racism and hate while creating pathways to healing. How will you practice acts of healing to combat injustices and inequities to keep the legacy of Rosa Parks alive?
Winning student authors will be awarded $500-first place, $300-second place and $200-third place prizes for each group (6-8 grade, 9-10 grade and 11-12 grade).
Essay submissions are due October 21 via crc@grcity.us or must be postmarked by that date. The winning essays will be announced at 3 p.m. December 2 at Grand Rapids City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 9th Floor, 300 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids. For more details visit https://bit.ly/GREQUITY.
December 1 marks the 66th anniversary of the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. In 2010, the City of Grand Rapids dedicated a sculpture to honor the life of this brave woman who changed American society in a monumental way. The bronze monument standing at the entrance of Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, is a message to those who continue her work, uphold her philosophy, and demonstrate dignity with the pride and courage with perseverance.
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