Unveiling and Dedication of the Rosa Parks Transit Center

The Rosa Parks Transit Center was unveiled and dedicated on Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Location: East Gateway entrance to Mesa College; corner of Mesa College Drive and Mesa College Circle.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Louise Parks was nationally recognized as the "mother of the modern day civil rights movement" in America. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white male passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, December 1, 1955, triggered a wave of protest December 5, 1955 that reverberated throughout the United States. Her quiet courageous act changed America, its view of African Americans, and redirected the course of history.

DESCRIPTION: An MTS Transit Stop was developed at the east gateway entrance to San Diego Mesa College to honor Rosa Parks, who had a special relationship with Mesa College and made several visits to the college in the early 1990s.

ARTISTS: Public Art Team: Dr. Gerda Govine-Ituarte, Ed.D., Diversity Expert; Nina Karavasiles, Public Artist; Mesa College Prof. Mario Lara, Public Artist. Contact: mlara@cox.net;

CONSTRUCTION: Construction: Summer 2009; Completion: Spring, 2010

ROSA PARKS/QUIET STRENGTH CAMPUS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Beginning Fall 2009 through Spring 2010 and beyond: Academic and learning experiences focusing on the attributes and legacy of Mrs. Parks, including: Quiet Strength; Identity and empowerment; Diversity and inclusion; Civic engagement; Leadership/mentorship and service. Please check the Mesa College homepage for event calendar.

COMMUNITY FORUM:

A community forum was conducted on April 15, 2008 at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center, Community Room, Market Creek Plaza. Speakers included then-president of Mesa College, Dr. Rita M. Cepeda; Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District; and Elizabeth Hamilton, Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. A presentation by the artists creating the memorial was made by public artists Nina Karavasiles and Mario Lara, and diversity specialist Dr. Gerda Govine-Ituarte, Ed.D.