Rosa Parks is most widely known for her refusal to give up a bus seat to a white passenger. She was arrested, which incited the Montgomery Bus Boycott. African-Americans in Montgomery, Alabama boycotted the bus system. Parks being found guilty further encouraged the boycott.
Parks’ actions and the events that followed are recognized as peaceful and effective efforts for change. Parks’ contributions to desegregation won her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the most prestigious award granted to civilians by the government.