1st December marks the anniversary of Rosa Parks Day, a momentous occasion in the progression towards Civil Rights in America. Georgette M. Norman, writer, poet, former University lecturer and retired Director of Rosa Parks Museum, commemorated the occasion by taking part in a very insightful bus journey around the City of London. Leaving Alabama, where the Montgomery bus boycott took place, Georgette joined a group of young Londoners to be a part of Chandra’s London, a photo documentary project which uses exhibitions, events, publications and installations as a means to tell a common human story.
Represented through the bus’ passengers – a double-decker filled with people of different races, religions and backgrounds from various boroughs across London – we celebrated the things we had in common as Londoners, celebrated how far cultural diversity has come and remembered Rosa Parks as a courageous woman whose actions became a milestone towards the success of the Civil Rights Movement.
Beginning in the Borough of Haringey where the 2011 London riots began, passengers, including Rt. Hon David Lammy, Politician and MP for Tottenham and Bennett Obong from the Hate Crime Forum, Metropolitan Police Service, voiced their opinions on the causes of the disturbances that swept through the city that summer, and the underlying problems that came to light in its aftermath.
Our first stop was the Olympic Stadium. Former Great Britain sprinter, Jennifer Stoute, was present and shared with the young passengers her journey to becoming a professional athlete, later influencing them to share their interests and future aspirations as the bus journeyed to its next destination.
Parking directly outside St. Paul’s cathedral, Rt Revd Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, welcomed the crew and led a prayer on the west steps-the same spot that Dr Martin Luther King Jr gave a speech whilst on his way to Oslo to receive his Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. A place of reflection, tranquility and giving thanks, the Cathedral contrasted the city’s rush, just out side.
Admiring the Cathedral’s grand decor, Georgette expressed her appreciation for art, ”how powerful images are to love or hate.”
The bus then journeyed on to New Scotland Yard, and after meeting and speaking with Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, the young passengers then journeyed on to Hyde Park Barracks where Soldiers were present in full dress uniform to greet them and mark what was a special occasion. This was followed by a visit to the National Theatre.
The day was concluded at the Guildhall, where a connection was made with Veterans of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Here we gathered and engaged in a Skype call with several guests including Dr Jack Hawking- Chancellor of Troy University, Valda Montgomery- Martin Luther King’s neighbour of 6 years, and Brenda Mitchell- Montgomery Police Chief of Staff.
The bus was parked in the courtyard outside the Guildhall and Georgette Norman and all the passengers were welcomed by the City of London before going into the Guildhall for the finale meeting with the Alabama special guests.
It was a powerful and insightful event; the day brought together people from various walks of life to embrace each other, and the diverse London in which we live today. Celebrating Rosa Parks Day on a bus allowed reflection on how far racial integration has come, but was also a reminder of how far it still needs to go and how important it is that we all do our part in ensuring people are given equal opportunity regardless of their race, religion or background.
”Don’t be defining yourself by exterior or outside influences,’’ Georgette had said, ‘’You are an entire whole being as you are.’’
