Foundation Works to Drive Rosa Parks Statue Home

Dec. 1, 1955 was a day that changed history. That was the day Rosa Parks, who has become one of the most well-known Civil Rights activists in history, helped spark the beginning of the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Ala. The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is working to honor Parks, hailed as a hero for her courageous actions, by working to unveil a statue in her likeness - just in time to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday. The Foundation has worked hard over the last two years to raise $37,000 of the $39,000 needed to complete the life-sized bronze sculpture of Parks, created by artist Patrick Jewett, who has credited Parks's story with his inspiration to create the statue. Now, working with the office of San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, the Black Culture Foundation has set up a campaign to raise the final $2,000 to complete the piece and unveil the statue at the Rosa Parks Memorial Building, formerly the Caltrans building, at 434 West Fourth Street in San Bernardino. The Foundation is calling upon the public to join the effort to raise the final $2,000 in a 30-day campaign, which will be used to complete the bronzing process. An Indiegogo campaign has been set up to help in this endeavor. "What's unique about this campaign is that it's not just asking for money," said Louis Penna, the communications director in the office of Supervisor Gonzales. "With Indiegogo, you have to give something back." Every $25 donor will automatically receive a personal invitation to the Rosa Parks Memorial Statue unveiling ceremony. Donors who give $50 or more receive an invitation and a special certificate of recognition from elected officials in San Bernardino as a token of their appreciation. Those who give $100 or more receive an invitation, certificate of recognition, and their name inscribed on the donor plaque of the statue. "By donating, you help solidify the historic significance of Rosa Parks's actions as a civil rights leader," the Indiegogo campaign website states. "Imagine a child seeing this statue for the first time, and imagine the cultural awareness this memorial can bring to that child and his/her community. The permanence of this memorial will continue the legacies of all the brave individuals who fought and died for racial equality." All community members are encouraged to help make history with their donation. Even spreading the word to friends, colleagues and family members also helps, campaign leaders said. Sept. 30 is the last day to make a donation. Those interested in donating may do so at www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-drive-the-rosa-parks-statue-home#/story.