Rosa Parks and the Detroit Riot

Rosa Parks, a prominent civil rights activist, resided near the epicenter of the Detroit riot, which was fueled by longstanding issues of housing discrimination and systemic inequality. The urban renewal policies implemented in the preceding years had a devastating impact on the community, resulting in the destruction of 10,000 structures and displacing over 43,000 residents, predominantly African-American. Parks identified these discriminatory practices as significant contributors to the unrest that erupted during the riot. In the aftermath, she took an active role in addressing the injustices faced by the community. Collaborating with the League of Revolutionary Black Workers and the Republic of New Afrika, Parks worked to raise awareness about police brutality, particularly in relation to the tragic events surrounding the Algiers Motel incident, where three young men were killed by police. On August 30, she participated in a 'people's tribunal' to investigate these killings, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform. Additionally, Parks was instrumental in forming the Virginia Park district council, aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing the affected area, demonstrating her commitment to community empowerment and social justice.