On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus. On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus. This simple yet courageous act set into motion a chain of events that reverberated throughout the world. Affectionately referred to as the "Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement," Mrs. Parks received 500 to 1,000 letters a month from children throughout the United States and the world. Dear Mrs. Parks grew out of Rosa Parks' desire to share her legacy with all "her children," and perpetuate a dialogue that will be recorded for generations to come. Gregory J. Reed is an attorney and the author of several books, including Economic Empowerment through the Church. He worked closely with Mrs. Parks in helping archive and select the letters for Dear Mrs. Parks.