Rosa Parks

19 2.6

An American civil rights activist who refused to give up her bus seat in 1955

proper noun
/ˈroʊzə pɑrks/

: Rosa Parks

The actions of Rosa Parks in Montgomery inspired nationwide efforts to end segregation.

Examples

Many schoolchildren learn about Rosa Parks as a key figure in the civil rights movement.
A statue of Rosa Parks stands in the United States Capitol as a tribute to her legacy.
Many people admire Rosa Parks for her bravery.
Did Rosa Parks really refuse to give up her seat?
Rosa Parks became a symbol of the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on a bus.
Many schools teach about Rosa Parks and her courageous actions during the fight for racial equality.
In 1955, Rosa Parks' decision sparked a nationwide movement for civil rights in the United States.

Surface Forms

Rosa Parks main

Morphology

Rosa + Parks

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the meaning (an American civil rights activist associated with the Montgomery Bus Boycott) cannot be derived from the constituent tokens 'Rosa' and 'Parks'. Proper names are arbitrary and culturally specific, so a B1 learner who only knows the surface words would not be able to infer the referent or its history without prior exposure.

Etymology

Rosa Parks is remembered for one clear moment: in 1955 she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, and that brave act helped start the 'Montgomery Bus Boycott'. That's why she is remembered as a leader in the 'civil rights' movement.