Organized for the freedom of political prisoners

Rosa Parks played a crucial role in advocating for the freedom of political prisoners in the United States, focusing on cases that highlighted issues of self-defense. Her activism included the establishment of the Detroit chapter of the Joanne Little Defense Committee, which aimed to support individuals who faced legal challenges due to their actions in self-defense situations. Parks's efforts extended to notable cases such as the Wilmington 10, a group of civil rights activists wrongfully convicted of arson and conspiracy, and Gary Tyler, a young African American man sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. Parks's commitment to justice and equality was evident in her support for these cases, which underscored the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities. One of the pivotal moments in Parks's activism occurred when she introduced Angela Davis to an audience of 12,000 after Davis was acquitted of charges related to her political activism. Parks referred to Davis as a 'dear sister who has suffered so much persecution,' highlighting the shared struggles of those fighting for civil rights and social justice. This introduction not only celebrated Davis's resilience but also served to galvanize support for the broader movement advocating for the rights of political prisoners. Parks's work during this period contributed significantly to raising awareness about the injustices faced by individuals who were often targeted for their political beliefs and actions, reinforcing the importance of solidarity in the fight for civil rights.