For six years, Greensboro Transit Authority has honored civil rights icon Rosa L. Parks with an annual Rosa Parks Bus Tour to select Guilford County schools. This year, GTA has enlarged the opportunity for all school-aged children to honor Mrs. Parks with the “Dear Rosa Parks” essay contest. In a letter addressed to the Congressional Medal of Honor winner, students may share their thoughts about Rosa Parks, African-American history or any American civil rights subject. They may submit the essays through their school teachers, parents or guardians.
A winner from each of three age groups will receive a $200 scholarship to purchase school supplies for their class. In addition, the winners and a chaperone will participate in a day of “Reflecting Forward” which will include a ride on a GTA bus where they will learn the in-depth story of Rosa Parks as well as notable events in Greensboro public transportation history. Also, students will visit the studios of 90.1 WNAA Radio where they will read their essays live on the air with Bottom Line Talk Show host Bob Davis. Additionally, they will visit the International Civil Rights Museum for a special guided tour of the exhibits, and finally a special luncheon and tableside discussion with Retired Chief Justice Henry Frye, the first appointed African-American Supreme Court Judge in North Carolina.
“For several years, we have enjoyed going out to the schools, talking with students and sharing how just an ordinary day getting on the bus launched the modern civil-rights movement”, says Kevin Elwood with Greensboro Transit Authority.” Now, we want to turn the tables to see what students have gained from our visits, their history lessons and the world around them. I can’t decide if this essay contest will be more of a learning experience for the students or for us!”
The contest will begin on National Rosa Parks Day, Saturday, December 1. Entries are due to GTA by Friday, January 11, 2013 at 5pm. The winners will be announced at the beginning of Black History Month on February 1, 2013. For full submission rules, visit the website at www.ridegta.com
