King Requests Financial Aid for Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks, known for her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, faced severe financial difficulties after losing her job. Following her arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, both she and her husband, Raymond, encountered significant economic challenges. Their landlord's decision to increase their rent by $10 exacerbated their situation, making it increasingly difficult for them to make ends meet. In response to Parks' plight, Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the movement, took action by issuing a memorandum to the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) relief fund. He requested a disbursement of $250 to $300 to assist Parks during this challenging time. The MIA authorized the funds, reflecting the community's support for Parks and recognition of her contributions to the civil rights cause. Despite this financial assistance, Parks continued to experience hardships, which ultimately led to severe health issues. This situation highlighted the broader struggles faced by civil rights activists, who often endured personal sacrifices and financial instability while fighting for equality and justice.