| Congresswoman Beatty Joins in Dedication of Rosa Parks Way |
U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), and The Ohio State University celebrated Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks, renaming a portion of North High Street in her honor, at a ceremonial event Monday morning.
During the ceremony, North High Street, between Gay and Broad Streets, was bestowed with the honorary name “Rosa Parks Way.” For 15 years, Congresswoman Beatty, COTA, and The Ohio State University have hosted a statewide commemoration to the “Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement” Rosa Parks. Monday’s ceremony furthers that commitment and coincides with the observance of Black History Month.
“Rosa Parks forever changed the world, and her actions on that historic December day is a touchstone moment for me and so many Americans,” Beatty said. “That is why, over 14 years ago, I wrote, advocated, and won unanimous support for a bill to designate December 1st as “Rosa Parks Day” in Ohio. Since then, the annual statewide tribute has grown in size and scope thanks to the amazing work of longtime supporters COTA and The Ohio State University. I am honored to join them today to dedicate “Rosa Parks Way” as we kick off the 15th anniversary celebration of Rosa Parks Day in the Buckeye State.”
“We renamed this section of High Street to recognize Rosa Parks’ courage and transformative action,” Mayor Ginther said. “I hope that in so doing we not only remember her action, but inspire others to do the same – to choose courage and to do the right thing.”
“It is no coincidence the ceremonial renaming of this portion of North High Street runs in front of COTA’s Main Office,” COTA President and CEO Joanna Pinkerton said. “We suggested this honor of this particular place. It is because of Rosa Parks’ brave act of civil disobedience that public transit is a melting pot today – inviting people of all races, creeds, religions, genders, orientations, cultures and socio-economic statuses to ride together.”
In addition to The Ohio State University, Monday’s ceremonial renaming event included representatives from the Columbus Chapter of the NAACP, as well as many Columbus officials.
Ohio’s annual Rosa Park tribute has engaged thousands of children and community leaders across the state to celebrate Mrs. Parks’ legacy and example. The next statewide celebration – the 15th anniversary – will be held in December.
