"I think Rosa Parks was truly a historic figure who singularly on Dec. 1, 1955, tore down the walls of American segregation and apartheid."
The Rev. Al Sharpton
"Rosa Parks will serve as a role model for generations to come. She embodied the courage that is so important to the world we live in. Her quiet strength, dignity and persistence in the face of racial inequality and persecution were an inspiration to all Americans, regardless of race or gender. We are proud that she adopted Michigan as her home, a place she loved as much we loved her."
Gov. Jennifer Granholm
"The nation lost a courageous woman and a true American hero. A half century ago, Rosa Parks stood up not only for herself, but for generations upon generations of Americans. Her quiet fight for equality sounded the bells of freedom for millions."
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.
"I remember her as an almost saint-like person. And I use that term with care. She was very humble, she was soft-spoken, but inside she had a determination that was quite fierce."
Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich.
"In her own simple way, Rosa Parks changed the history of our nation. She forced us to recognize the dignity of every person. She was a prophet - a common instrument of God inviting us and challenging us to a new vision of solidarity, equality and justice. We were blessed to have her as a citizen of Detroit."
Cardinal Adam Maida
Archbishop of Detroit
"She must be looked upon as not just the mother of the modern civil rights movement; she must be looked upon as one of the mothers of the New America, of the New South."
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.
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