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[ Birds chirping ]

[ Vehicle approaching ]

[ Siren wails, tires squeal ]

[ Engine stops ] **

[ Dog barks in distance ] ** [ Barking continues ]

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>> * O, come, all ye faithful * [ Doorbell dings ]

[ Indistinct chatter ] >> Mrs. Bronson, good morning. >> Is she in?

>> Nice to see you back. She is. >> I have an emergency.

I need to see her right away. >> Is there something I can do for you?

>> No, I need to see her. >> Well, I-I think she's back here somewhere.

>> Rosa. >> Hello, Mrs. Bronson. >> I have a catastrophe on my

hands, and it can only be entrusted to you. >> Okay, well, let's take a

look. Oh. Well, don't you worry.

This will not be a problem. >> Oh, thank you, dear. You are the most talented woman

in Montgomery, and I would be lost without you. >> Well, that is very kind of

you to say. >> I'm just statin' a fact. >> Uh, Mrs. Bronson, I've got

something to show you. Would you mind? >> Thank you.

>> Oh, of course, of course. >> I think you'll just love it. [ "I'm a Woman" plays ]

>> * I can wash out 44 pairs of socks *

* And have 'em hangin' out on the line * * I can starch and iron two

dozens shirts * * Before you can count from one to nine *

* I can scoop up a great big dipper full of lard * * From the drippin's can *

* Throw it in the skillet, go out and do my shopping * * Be back before it melts

in the pan * * 'Cause I'm a woman * * W-O-M-A-N *

>> It'd look so much better if you'd just lose some weight. >> Mama, I tried.

>> I'll go look for a shawl.

>> You look beautiful, miss.

You're gonna be the most beautiful girl at the party.

Secret is, how you carry yourself -- your shoulders back, your head held high, and smile.

A smile like you're holdin' a secret. You'll be a showstopper for

sure. >> Are we done here? >> Yes, ma'am.

Should be ready tomorrow at 3:00. >> Thank you.

Go change. Got a lot more to do and your father's waitin'.

>> * Darling * ** * I'm cruel to walk out *

[ Bell dings ] >> Morning, Mr. Parks. >> * I provide, sacrifice for

you * >> Read it. >> * And I need, I'm here

without * * But it's too late * >> "Lynching rule justified."

>> Yeah, what do you think about that? >> It can't be true, Mr. Parks.

It can't.

>> You know, Emmett Till could have been a Brooklyn Dodger.

He could have been the next Roy Campanella. You see these people?

They want us playing ball and entertaining them. They don't want us to have, uh,

this thing called "justice." >> * Too late for tears * >> * Honey, I know you know

that I know that it is * >> You're doin' a good job on that floor, son.

Big day today. Big day. Big day.

>> Thank you, sir. I'll get back to work. [ Door closes ]

>> Well, that little nigger boy got what he deserved. He had no right to be talkin',

let alone whistlin' at her. >> That's right. >> Can you imagine?

That poor woman must have been terrified! >> Mm-hmm.

>> Well, I am just grateful to God that the whole mess is over and done with and justice has

been served. >> Well, they had no right to arrest Mr. Bryant in the first

place. Protecting his wife's honor is all he was doin'.

How's that against the law these days? >> Well, that boy should have

known his place. >> After Emmett Till was murdered, I felt like I saw him

in every young boy I passed. Who could've imagined that a sweet, 14-year-old boy would be

dragged from his bed in the middle of the night, tortured, killed, and thrown into the

river for allegedly whistlin' at a white woman? **

>> Mr. Gray? >> Mrs. Parks, this is an unplanned surprise.

I wasn't expecting you to stop by today. Please come in. Have a seat.

>> Oh, I hope you don't mind.

>> Of course not. Have a seat, please.

>> Oh, thank you, Freddy.

>> Take your coat for you. >> It's been a challenging day.

>> I'm sure it has been. [ Telephone rings in distance ] >> Just thought I could use some

company. >> Of course. Anytime. I trust you've, uh...

you've seen this? >> Mm. Some white folks at my store

were talking about how the acquittal is justice. >> Yeah.

>> I don't understand. How can those monsters go unpunished for his murder?

Freddy, I just keep seeing poor Emmett's face. It's all beat up.

Mr. Gray, what is the point of a trial if they can do whatever they want with complete

disregard for the law? >> Because the laws of this country were built to favor the

white man. I'm afraid it's just as simple as that.

But I guess that's what I'm trying to do here. >> Mm.

>> Even things out a little. >> Yes, of course. [ Clock chimes ]

>> Oh, goodness. I have to run down to the records office.

>> Oh, go. >> Could you cover for me, please?

>> Go on, Freddy. >> I won't be but longer than 20 minutes.

>> Yeah, go, go, go, go. [ Telephone rings ] [ Clears throat ]

Law office. ** Now, I was trying my best to

concentrate on work, but my mind was distracted with plans for the two-day NAACP workshop I was

set to lead that coming weekend. Now, as secretary of the Montgomery chapter, I-I was

responsible for a lot. And these workshops were my favorite tasks.

>> Till is just the start. We gonna keep seeing this and it's gonna get worse because

they've become embolden now. [ Telephone rings ] >> Barber shop.

Yes, ma'am. Mr. Parks. >> Yeah? >> Telephone for you.

>> All right. Excuse me just a second. Hello, hello, hello, hello.

Hello? >> Hello, dear. I'm heading to the bus.

Could you pick up a quart of milk? >> No problem.

I can pick that up on the way home. >> Thank you.

I'll see you soon. >> Hey, careful out there, all right?

Love you, too. [ Chuckles ] You know who that was.

>> Yes, sir. >> [ Laughs ] [ Horn honking ]

** [ Bus door closes ]

** ** **

[ Brakes screech ] ** **

>> Let me have them front seats! You hear me? Look, now, y'all need to make it

light on yourself, now, and get on up, and have them seats. Come on.

** Move that sign on back. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. There you go.

All right, sir, you can come ahead on now and move it in. Why aren't you standing up?

>> I don't think I should have to. >> Excuse me.

Are you gonna move? >> No. No, I'm not.

[ Indistinct chatter ] >> Now, listen to me. If you don't move, I'm gonna

call the police and they'll arrest you. You know I'll do it.

>> Well, you may do that then. >> All right. **

** Yes, operator, I need the police department, please.

Yes, I have a-a disruptive passenger on one of my buses. This is a Cleveland Avenue bus,

and I'm in front of the Empire Theater. You can't miss us.

[ Siren wails ] [ Doors close ] >> All right, who's makin'

trouble here? ** **

>> Why didn't you stand up when the driver spoke to you? >> I don't believe I should have

to. >> And why is that? >> I'm not sittin' in the white

section. >> Get on up out this bus now, you hear?

>> Ma'am, don't make this tough on yourself. Come on.

>> Why do you push us around? >> Law's the law, and you're under arrest.

** [ Indistinct chatter ] **

** ** >> Ma'am, may I make my phone

call now? ** [ Indistinct chatter ]

** [ Jazz music plays ] >> Sorry I'm late.

I got the milk. A couple of, uh [chuckles] stragglers at the shop, so...

>> Hello, Raymond. >> Hey. Good evening. I got the milk.

Where's Rosa? >> Well, she's not here. I thought maybe the two of you

had met up somewhere. >> No, she... she called me from work and she

should be home by now. >> Well, maybe there's some delay on the road.

** >> Are you thirsty? >> Pardon?

>> You've got a drinking spell. They usually don't give us color folk a cup till you figure out

you got to ask for it. Most of them don't work anyway. But I got one that does.

>> T-Thank you, ma'am. >> What happened to you?

How'd you find your way in here? >> [ Swallows ] I was arrested on the bus.

>> Some of them bus drivers are pretty nasty. You get hurt?

>> No, no. >> That's good. Are you married?

>> Yes, I am. >> Good. You know, your husband ain't

gonna let you stay in here. So don't you worry. >> Are you married, ma'am?

>> Once. My husband, he... he passed away a few years back.

But he sure was something else.

Now I'm in here...'cause this fella I was keeping company with

thought he could knock me around. Problem was, he didn't know me

too well. He had my mouth bleeding and my eye nearly swollen shut.

I went out back, grabbed that hatchet out the shed. He just laughed.

And then he didn't.

But I've been in here ever since -- 50, maybe 54 days now.

>> Why -- Why do long? >> Told me he'd drop the charges if I stayed on with him.

I told him I'd rather rot in jail than to be with a man who thinks he can beat on me.

>> I don't know that I could be that brave. >> I just figure some things are

worth standing up for. Now, that bus driver, he raise the hand to you?

>> No.

He moved the sign to the white section and I refused to give up

my seat.

>> You in here, talk about me being brave.

Sounds like what you did was brave enough for the lots of us. **

Give me your hand, sister. ** You gonna be all right.

>> [ Sniffles ]

>> [ Sniffles ]

[ Telephone rings ]

>> Hello? >> Mama, it's Rosa.

Is Parks there? >> Honey, where are you? Oh, my God.

Did they beat you, honey? >> Rosa. >> Hi.

I'm okay, but I-I need you to come get me out of jail. >> I'll be there as soon as I

can. ** >> Yes, I'm holding for...

That's right. Mrs. Rosa Parks. Well, what's the charge?

Hello? ** Hello?

** [ Telephone rings ] >> Clifford, Mr. Nixon's on the

phone. He said it's an emergency. **

>> Mr. Nixon. >> Good evening, officer. My name is Clifford Durr.

I'm Mrs. Parks' attorney. >> I saw. [ Telephone rings ]

>> Yes, sir. It is. >> All right, you all sit down. We'll get to you.

[ Ringing continues ] [ Indistinct chatter ] **

** [ Door buzzes open ] >> [ Gasps ]

Are you all right? They didn't hurt you, did they? >> No, no. I'm -- I'm fine.

>> I'm Mrs. Parks' attorney. >> You all right? >> Yes, I'm fine.

Thank you all so much for comin'. >> Raymond is on his way.

>> You'll need to sign here. Yeah. [ Door closes ]

>> Oh. >> You all right? >> Yes.

>> We paid her bail. Court date set for Monday. She's free until then.

>> We've been waiting for this opportunity. And, Parks, she's perfect.

And you know it. Rosa, you know ain't nothing gonna change around here unless

we have a movement. >> Too dangerous. Dangerous, Nixon.

>> Three weeks ago, they determined it was illegal for a transportation company to impose

their segregation rules on interstate transportation. Oh, come on, yeah.

>> And all of that was a great victory. Does not speak to the rules of

the city. What we need is a fully integrated city buses.

>> What are you all talkin' about? >> Claudette Colvin,

Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, and a host of other Negro women who've been arrested or removed

from city buses for not giving up their seats to white passengers.

We've been trying to plan a bus boycott for nearly a year now. >> And you want Rosa to get

mixed up in that?

>> We want Rosa to lead the boycott.

>> No. No. No. >> Y'all want to put my wife up

in the front of this thing? Put a target on her back? Huh?

>> You were lucky that they didn't beat you last night. >> No, you're gonna have to find

someone else. >> There is no one else. >> Well, how can that be?

>> Because we've been looking for an upstanding citizen with a good job, from -- from a decent

family to represent our cause. >> Well, why can't some of those other women -- why can't they

lead it? >> Look, those other women had issues.

One of them was an unwed teen. The other one had an alcoholic husband.

Another woman just, quite frankly, she just wasn't strong enough to lead.

>> My question is, are you gonna be safe, Rosa? Is your mother going to be safe

if you go out here threatening their laws, their way of life? They're hangin' people for less

than this. >> And they will continue to do that...unless we stand up

against them... together. **

** >> Go outside and have a smoke. **

That's my wife. [ Door opens, closes ] >> [ Sighs deeply ]

What would she have to do?

>> Well, first thing is we would -- would need to protest

her unjust arrest by a one-day bus boycott, hmm? >> And what good would that do?

>> [ Chuckles ] We colored folks, we make up, what, 70% of the riders in all

of Montgomery? >> That's nearly 40,000 riders. >> Mm-hmm.

So that's 10 cents each way. That's, what, $4,000 one way, $8,000 a day.

>> They'll listen then. >> You know white folks don't -- >> No, no, no, no. No, no!

We cannot be concerned about what white folks think and do. We can't keep living like that.

I mean, it's 1955, and we're still following the same rules as Jim Crow in the 1890s!

You tell me -- You tell me why is it we...can choose to sit anywhere we want in

New York City, in Los Angeles, in Chicago, but we can't choose where we want to sit in the old

city where we were born. [ Train whistle blares ] Rosa...we either stand to fight

or we remain slaves. Excuse me.

[ Door closes ] [ Insects chirping ]

>> How they gonna do a boycott? Hmm?

People sufferin'. People's life is hard enough. They're not gonna stick their

neck out for anybody. >> This isn't that different from all those years you worked

trying to get justice for the Scottsboro Boys. >> Mm.

>> Mm-hmm. >> No, that was different. >> We'd be organized with about

a force of people behind us -- >> We? Who's the "we"? What "we" you talking about?

The "we" that's gonna escort you to work in the morning? The "we" that's gonna walk you

home at night while I'm still at the shop? The "we" that's gonna put

24-hour security detail on our home?

>> Parks, when I saw those police officers walking towards

me, I knew I should have been afraid, but... I wasn't.

** I saw young Emmett's face. >> Mm.

>> And...all the women that were there before me. >> All those women who were

there before you are not you, Rosa. They are not my wife.

Rosa, you know I understand. I do. **

Darling, what you did tonight made me so proud. And I know that...

I could sit here and try to frighten you, but you don't scare so good.

** ** >> Parks...

today I made a choice. ** You would've made the same

choice. ** **

Okay. Let's begin. >> We need to get the word out.

[ Telephone ringing ] >> Fred Gray. >> Hello, Mr. Gray?

I heard about what happened to Mrs. Parks. Is she all right?

>> I don't know. >> [ Sighs ] You know, we have talked about

this long enough. The time for a boycott is now, Mr. Gray.

>> Yes. I just spoke with Mr. Nixon and -- and -- and we're ready to

put things in motion. >> Good! As president of the political

women's council, I have already alerted the members and we are ready to put our money and our

support behind this. >> Thank you. A bus boycott is to be held on

Monday, December 5th, same day as Rosa's trial. [ Pencil scratching ]

>> I will be able to have the handbills printed up announcing it tonight.

>> I'm sorry. Tonight? If we're going to do this, we will need to notify the entire

Negro community of Montgomery. >> Don't worry. Just leave it to us.

>> Mrs. Robinson, you'll need to be cautious. >> I'll be in touch.

[ Chuckles ] ** Hello, Daisy?

Professor Robinson here. I have a project I need you to help me with.

Meet me on campus in 15 minutes? Uh-huh. And bring Mabel. [ Knock on door ]

** >> E.D., is she all right? >> She's fine. So, what we got?

>> Listen, I've been thinking. And the fact is, some people are gonna be resistant if we say

this protest is connected to our chapter of the NAACP. >> Because they cowards.

>> That may be so, but chastising them will not get them on our side.

E.D., people are just trying to live their lives. >> What do you propose, that we

hold their hands, as not to disturb their slumber? Damn it, man, we are here

because no one is standing up. >> Listen, we need to form a new and -- and separate committee.

That way, any negative backlash won't reflect on the NAACP. >> Huh.

Hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah, we...

we need the ministers. They can get the word out to their congregation.

>> Yes. Yes, that's what we need. >> Mm-hmm, and we need the

papers to cover it. >> No, now, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

That -- That might be dangerous. If we tell them this early, they may attack.

It could shut us down before we even get started. >> Yeah, no, I have a friend

that can help. >> This time of night? >> Yeah, he's a writer.

He never sleeps. ** Joe, look here, I need you to

meet me tomorrow at Union Station, 6:45 sharp.

meet me tomorrow at Union Station, 6:45 sharp.

** >> Come along, ladies.

Come along! >> Are we supposed to be here? >> Shh! Come on!

>> Okay. Okay. **

[ Door creaks open ] ** >> Come along, ladies.

** ** **

>> When I was a little girl, we didn't have a school bus, so we'd walk two miles along the

side of the road every morning and afternoon. And the white children...would

ride past us in their big, shiny bus. And they'd throw trash outside

the window trying to hit us.

So...when we heard them coming toward us, we'd step off of the

side of the road and into the field where the apple cores and bottles couldn't reach us.

** I'm not stepping off the road anymore.

Mnh-mnh. Not for anyone. [ Inhales, exhales deeply ]

** ** [ Typewriter keys clacking ]

>> "Yet again, a Negro woman has been removed from a city bus and jailed for refusing to give her

seat to a white man." >> "Refusing to give her seat to a white man."

>> "How long before it is your mother or sister that is dragged from a bus against her will?

It is time for the Negro to demand the rights that we deserve."

[ Typewriter dings ] >> "Deserve." >> "Therefore, on Monday..."

>> Monday? >> Monday, the day of the trial. >> "The day of the trial."

>> "All Negroes stay off all Montgomery buses." >> "Off Montgomery buses."

>> "Do not ride the buses to school or work. The time for boycott is now!"

>> "Boycott is now." >> "The time for a boycott is now.

And Monday, December 5th is the date." [ Typewriter dings ]

Okay, done. >> Mrs. Robinson, are you sure we're not gonna get in trouble

from the school for doin' this? >> No, baby, I'm not. >> Well, at least if I get

kicked out of school for this, it'll be worthwhile. >> Good!

Now, ladies, let's get this old doll running. **

**

>> Three days. Three days is not a time to pull

this off. >> But three days is all we got. >> People are gonna be nervous.

Though you need to present it calmly. >> And just what is it you're

trying to say? >> That your temper can often get the best of you.

>> Good. Can't you see the smoke? >> Oh, I see the smoke.

>> All right, well, that's good because you will be fooling yourself, Mr. Gray, if you think

that people don't need to see a blazin' fire to realize the hell in a burnin' house.

>> And you're the fire. >> That's right. I am the fire.

And Mrs. Parks was the spark. Now, I'm gonna fall over to Mr. A. Philip Randolph to get

him on board. >> There's a lot at stake over the next few days, Mr. Nixon.

>> Oh, Mr. Gray... there is a lot at stake tonight. **

>> So, we'll come back and finish tomorrow. You got everything?

Get those boxes. Okay, then, ready? Okay. >> Come on, Daisy, let's go.

** ** [ Door creaks open ]

>> Come on, ladies. Keep your heels up. Good. **

** Come, come, come. **

Come along, ladies. ** Stay.

Let me handle this. I'll talk to him. >> Can I help you?

>> Good evening, sir. I'm Professor Robinson, English department.

>> It's awful late, Professor. >> Oh, it certainly is. But it's finals week and, um,

you know how things go. You have a good evening. Ladies, come along!

Come along. ** **

**

[ Birds chirping ]

** [ Train whistle blares in

distance ] ** **

>> There'd never been a bus boycott before, so we had to do it right.

But I couldn't help feel responsible if anyone was to get hurt.

Unfortunately, change doesn't come without risk. **

** ** **

I knew that if we did it right, we could make a real impact here in Montgomery, and maybe even

throughout the South. The world would be watchin' and there was no way we could turn

back now. We all prayed for strength. And then we got to work.

>> Ladies! Come along! >> Come on, Mabel. >> Oh! [ Chuckles ]

>> Hey, pretty lady. >> Hi. I hope I see you on Monday.

>> Mabel! >> I'm coming!

>> It's good to see you,

Randolph. >> You too.

>> Listen, I heard what happened with Sister Parks.

Was she harmed?

>> Oh, no, no, no. All is well. She has agreed to allow us to

use her as a test case to launch a bus boycott. >> Now, look, we need to take

this opportunity to make a stand in this city. And we need your help to do it.

>> Well, I'm familiar with what you were able to do with the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car

Porters Union. That's a big task of national strength.

>> Well, the time we have for the size of the task at hand, the city of Montgomery can feel

as big as the whole world if we don't get the right help. >> So, what is your plan?

>> Mobilize every single Negro citizen in Montgomery to boycott the city buses on Monday.

>> Startin' with your congregation. >> But none of it will work

unless we can get every single one of the 50,000-plus Negro citizens in Montgomery to join

us. >> 50,000. >> 50,000.

>> Mm-hmm. Well, you have my support. But I know a young reverend

you'll want to meet. >> Hmm? [ Engine starts ]

>> I've been mentoring him since he arrived from Birmingham about seven months ago.

Some folks were nervous on account of him being so young. Five minutes into his first

sermon ended any doubt. And God has blessed this man with a gift.

And he can get his congregation to follow him wherever he leads. You can trust me on that.

[ Door opens ] ** **

** Brother King.

Brother King.

>> More than 70% of the bus riders in Montgomery are

Negroes. If we don't ride, we affect the only thing they care about the

most. >> Money. >> That's very true.

We all know how money can sway even the most stubborn of heart, hmm?

Tell me, what exactly do you want from this boycott? >> Equal rights as citizens to

sit wherever we please. Common courtesy. And that they hire Negro

drivers. >> A bus boycott has never been done before.

>> Mm. >> Well, we will be the first. >> Hmm.

>> Which is why we need to be well-organized. This is an opportunity for us to

put this city on notice. >> One thing that I've learned is that violence leads to more

violence and little change, so my question to you is this -- Can you assure me this will be a

peaceful protest? >> Look, we're not looking for trouble, but we can't speak for

the police, hmm? They have been after our citizens with a vengeance and

things have only gotten worse since they killed Emmett Till. >> That's right.

>> They want violence and disorder. That's how they prove their

misconceptions of us. Now, I've not been in Montgomery for very long, but these are

some of the most restrictive segregation laws I've ever encountered.

>> Mm-hmm. >> If this peaceful demonstration is a success here,

there's no telling what it can do for our nation as a whole. >> Well, we're planning a

community meeting. We're organizing. >> Have it here.

7:00 this evening. >> Thank you, brother. Thank you.

>> Mm-hmm. >> Thank you, Mrs. Marshall. Mrs. Campbell, please.

Mrs. Robinson here. Is your committee meeting still happening this evening?

Oh, good. Yes, we are launching a peaceful protest, but we do not know how

the authorities will respond to this, so we need to be prepared. Oh, that's such a good amount.

Thank you so much. Oh, yes, thank you. I'll see you there.

I'll see you there. ** >> We have been threatened and

treated unjustly, so it wasn't gonna be easy to get more people in our community to join us.

We were running out of time. >> So, you know, this is Pastor Johnson.

>> Okay. >> Does he seem good? >> No, no, no, Pastor Johnson.

He can be a little...you know, tough around the edges. Oh, good brother!

We just need a few minutes of your time, Pastor Johnson. >> Yes.

>> How you doing? >> Pastor Johnson. >> E.D. Nixon.

>> Hey, how you doing, Mr. Nixon? >> All right, all right.

>> Not certain if you heard, but another Negro woman was arrested on a bus last night.

>> Yes, yes. I heard she was sitting in the white section.

>> Uh, no, sir. She most certainly was not. She was sitting in the colored

section and she was told to move. >> Well, then, she should have

moved! >> Uh...no, sir. It was her right notto move.

>> Pastor Johnson, we're -- we're here for your support. >> Mm-hmm.

>> And that of your congregation for a one-day bus boycott this coming Monday.

>> Boycott? >> Yes, sir. >> [ Laughs ]

Looky here. Y'all serious? What do you think will come of

that? >> [ Chuckles ] If we don't take a stand and protest their

regular practice -- >> With all due respect, we don't want no trouble.

>> Don't you see if we just stay laying like sleeping dogs, hoping nothing gets disturbed,

there will never be any real change?

>> I wish you luck. I certainly do, but I'm sorry.

You'll have to leave me and my flock out of it. >> E.D.?

>> What? >> Hold up. Nixon!

>> What?! >> [ Chuckles ] You have to try to be a little

more understanding. >> [ Laughs ] Why, Randolph, why?

You just tell me why. What good is it gonna do with a turncoat like him?

I know why these ministers and how they were bought off to keep things as they are.

I bet he got that tacky-ass suit from one of his supportersin the mayor's office.

No, thank you, sir. No, thank you. **

**

>> Mr. Leon, get one of those to every customer.

Make sure that they're very careful because we don't want these so-called authorities

making trouble before we get this thing off the ground, you understand?

>> * Yes, for likely, sure as you please * >> Hey, everything gonna be all

right. Any crackers come in here, ask you what's in the box, you tell

them it's Christmas cards. >> * Whoa, I woke up this morning *

* Yes, for likely, sure as... * >> May I speak to you for a second?

Why don't you go ahead and grab Wilson? How you doing?

My name is Philip Randolph. And we're out here today, we're trying to...

>> Morning, sir. Is the Reverend in? >> Uh, yes, sir.

That would be me -- Reverend Wilson. How may I help you?

>> [ Laughs ] I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect. >> Oh, listen.

No need to apologize, sir. As you can see, the Lord's work comes in many forms.

>> Yes, that's right. >> What can I do for you? >> Well, uh, we -- we sure could

use your assistance, now.

>> Well, not much I can do with just one handbill.

I'm gonna need far more to pass out for Sunday services. >> [ Laughs ]

That means you'll help us? >> Oh, yes, sir. Absolutely. Listen, my flock might be small,

but we sure are mighty. >> Well, we're having a-a planning meeting this evening at

the Dexter Avenue Church. >> Reverend King's new home? >> That's right.

>> Let me tell you something -- gifted that one. Yes, sir.

So, what time? >> 7:00, and I'll make sure you have all the handbills you need

there. >> Count me in, son. Let me tell you something.

I've been praying for anybody, somebody, to step up. >> Yes, sir.

>> And what's about to happen makes this fat, old preacher proud.

I'm gonna see you there. >> Yes, sir. >> All right.

>> Thank you, sir. >> You take care. >> All right, thank you so much!

Thank you so much. >> Good, good, good? >> Randolph!

>> All right. Good job. >> Mrs. Parks?

I think you remember Mr. Langford. >> Yes, sir.

Nice to see you again.

>> It's nice to see you again.

>> Uh, Charles has agreed to join me in court on Monday as my

co-counsel.

>> Thank you so much. >> It's my pleasure to help.

And, uh, I hope we lose. [ Both chuckle ] >> So, you intend to lose my

case? >> What he means is that our strategy is to lose your case

because we can't make much of an impact in the lower court system.

>> When we lose, we can then appeal to a higher court. The higher court means more

exposure. More exposure is a good strategy.

>> I know. I follow Mr. Langford. It's hard to change laws unless

they reach the highest court in the country. I do try to keep up, now.

Excuse me.

[ Ringing ]

Hey, Randolph, how's it going? >> Yeah, good, good.

It's filling up. Listen, Montgomery Improvement Association.

>> Yeah. What's that? >> That's what I'm gonna call the committee.

>> Yeah. Yeah, I like it. It's good.

Form a board this evening and make sure you get King involved. >> All right, I'll -- I'll try.

How you doing? >> Oh, I'm waiting on an old friend.

Hey, look, um, I return tomorrow evening. >> All right.

Be safe, my friend. >> Mm-hmm. You too.

[ Train whistle blares ]

>> Mr. Nixon?

>> Joe.

We sure need your help. [ Paper rustles ]

I want to put this in the paper.

>> A bus boycott? >> That's right.

** >> We've been friends for a long time.

So I'm gonna tell you this straight. Montgomery is not ready for

this. The tradition of segregation is too deeply rooted in the culture

here. >> Oh, just because they used to it...don't make it right.

You, of all people, know that. >> What we see as injustice, what we knowto be injustice --

to them it's just heritage. Hell, they think it's generous that they let youride their

buses. >> We need our side in the morning papers, on the front

page. Joe, this is serious. I need to know if you will help

us. ** >> I can't guarantee the front

page. >> Uh, all right. >> I'll do my best.

>> Thank you, and we will be in touch. **

**

>> Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening, Reverend.

>> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> I'd like you to bow your

heads and join me in prayer. Lord, we come to you with the

hope that you lift us up and impart onto us the courage to stand for what it right.

[ Crowd murmurs in agreement ] We are forever giving thanks, love, and praise...

[ Crowd murmurs in agreement ] ...to you, Almighty Father. In Jesus' name, we pray.

>> In the name of Jesus. >> Amen. >> Amen.

>> We want to thank everyone for coming out this evening.

We have matters to discuss. We will begin with

Sister Rosa Parks, whose most recent experience has led us all here today.

Sister Parks. **

*** >> Good -- Good evening.

[ Feedback ]

** Last evening, I was told to move out my seat in the segregated

section of the Cleveland Avenue bus for the comfort of a white

gentleman.

Now it -- it wasn't that he was ill, elderly, or handicapped. He was just white and that was

enough to make him more worthy of a seat than me. [ Sighs ]

Now, I -- I understand that some of you might be thinking that

I'm just up here trying to stir up trouble and, well, yes, I... I suppose I am.

But I -- I have been the Montgomery NAACP chapter secretary for eight years now,

and I personally have spent too much time logging our civil rights complaints in these here

notebooks that have grown larger year after year. The fear and indignity that they

put us through must not dissuade us from demonstrating for our basic rights.

There comes a time in our lives when we will reach our limits, when we have to move past

ourselves and our small comforts

and choose to make our voices heard.

When that bus driver started yelling and threatening me...

[voice breaking] I saw young Emmett's face. And I thought, "How could we

live in a world where a smile or a whistle can equal a death

sentence?" Yes, i-it is far easier to have

our heads down and just keep going on with our business, but

that will only give them the power to continue to keep us down.

They continue to limit our rights. They continue to call into

question our very citizenship. But they will only continue if we, as a community, do not take

a stand against them. [ Applause ] ***

*** Thank you.

[ Sniffles ] >> Now, come Sunday, we need you

to encourage your congregations to join us.

Huh? Amen?

>> Amen. >> And this is a good plan with

the potential to create real change in Montgomery.

There will be no need for picket signs and rallies. We simply won't use public

transportation. >> And how are people supposed

to get to work? You want them to lose their

jobs? >> No, sir.

We-- We're setting up carpools, a-and we ask that those who work

close to their jobs from their home, we ask that you walk.

>> And now we have work to do, the first of which is to set up

the transportation committee and Mrs. Campbell has been gracious

enough to volunteer her husband,

transportation engineer Mr. Alfonso Campbell. >> Yeah, thank you!

>> I should be saying we hope he accepts this post.

All right, then. All right, then.

He is going to need some volunteers to assist him in one of the most important challenges

of this evening. All right, you all, follow me. Thank you, Mr. Campbell.

>> Our intent is to have a peaceful protest, but if things get out of hand, we'll need more

assistance with the legal fund. If anyone has legal experience,

please follow me. ***

>> Thanks. **

[ Telephone ringing ] ** Anybody hear about a boycott?

Why am I just reading about it in the paper?! **

>> Hey! ** [ Telephone rings ]

>> How's it coming? >> It's done. We have pick-up and drop-off

locations along the existing bus routes and a list of volunteer drivers.

Also, all 18 Negro-owned cab companies have agreed to charge passengers 10 cents a ride,

same as the buses. >> This is real good, Mr. Campbell.

Mm-hmm. Real good, indeed. >> Thank you, sir. **

[ Knocks on window ] ** **

>> We have received some generous donations for the legal fund.

>> Well, we may very well need it and more. I'm concerned that this one day

is not sufficient enough to make a significant impact. >> Then we continue.

>> Well, we all gettin' this much pushback for just one day, how can we continue?

>> Do not underestimate us, Mr. Nixon. We are educated, independent

with funds, and, in some states, more influential than the white folks.

Oh, this will work. Sooner or later, everybody will get on board.

You'll see. >> [ Laughs ] You ain't no joke, are you,

Mrs. Robinson? >> No, sir. She is not. >> Hey!

Excuse me. [ Breathing heavily ] We got a problem.

>> Bring it here, boy. Come on.

>> It's out. They know.

"Reports of fear amongst the Negro community, and they are requesting police protection

against the Negro goon squads..." >> What are they talking about?

>> "...which reportedly have been organized to intimidate the other Negroes who want to ride

the bus come Monday." >> Oh, that's a lie! I mean, there's no such thing.

>> You said your friend would help us. That there? That's not helping.

>> Joe did not write this article, Randolph. This is from the

"Alabama Journal," not "Montgomery Advertiser." >> How much could it hurt us?

>> A lot. People tend to believe what they read in print, even if it ain't

true. >> Especially if they want it to be true.

>> Well, now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. This, though disappointing, is

not all that unexpected. >> And who knows? This may very well help us.

God works in mysterious ways. >> Yes, he does. [ Telephone rings ]

>> Excuse me, sir. >> What? Give me some good news, Nelson.

>> Um, we've been getting calls from employers that their Negro domestics are not going to work

on Monday because they're afraid to ride the buses on account of the boycott.

>> [ Scoffs ] How many calls? >> A lot. Phones are still ringing.

>> [ Scoffs ] That's great. That's just what we need three weeks before Christmas -- riots

in the streets because of those damn... Get me, uh, what's his name,

who's in charge at the bus company and the commissioner. >> Yes, sir.

>> And then the mayor. ** >> How are you?

>> I'm fine. This is incredible. >> How was work yesterday?

>> Oh, it was fine. From what I could tell, word of Monday hasn't reached them, so

we're good on that account. >> Are you headed home now? Should we get you a ride?

>> No, no, I'm -- I'm here to stay and work. >> Rosa.

[ Telephone ringing ] >> Hi. >> How are you?

>> I'm fine. >> Please, let me get your coat. >> Oh, thank you.

No, I'm fine. I'm fine. You can tell everyone here that -- All these folks in here

and no one could answer the phone. Law office of Freddy Gray.

[ Telephone rings ] >> All right, as y'all know, we've been getting calls all day

about a boycott. Now that it's being reported that Negroes are afraid of

what's gonna happen to them if they break ranks and get on a bus, come Monday, we need two

police escorts for each bus driving in and out of the neighborhoods.

And also need additional patrols at all the bus stops. Now, that means overtime, so

make sure you get with your supervisors for your schedules. Hey, hear this now.

I ain't letting no mess of niggers disrupt our fine city. I'm making myself clear?

If we gotta, we bring out the hoses and the dogs. >> I'm going to head on.

Patrick and Raymond will be here any minute now. **

>> Mrs. Parks. I know you don't particularly like talking about how you're

feeling, but are you nervous? Because if you're feeling uneasy, just know that we are

all here for any -- >> Mr. Gray. Please don't confuse my quiet

for lack of concern. Yes, I'm anxious. Now, you and my husband are the

only two people who know that, and I'm just saying that so you don't think I'm crazy.

I said it before, I do mean it. All of this is bigger than me. That's what keeps me moving.

Good night, Mr. Gray. We're 40 hours away from the boycott.

Get a wash in... >> [ Chuckles ] >> ...before I have to follow

you into court on Monday. >> Good night, Mrs. Parks. >> Good night, Mr. Gray.

>> Good night, Mrs. Parks. >> Good night, Mr. Gray.

[ Banging on door ]

[ Banging continues ]

>> E.D. >> What is it?

What happened? >> [ Chuckles ] That Joe Asbell...really

came through. Wrote one hell of an article, citing all the past arrests,

past citations, and even explaining that we are planning a peaceful protest.

>> Front page. >> Didn't you want this run on Monday after it was done?

>> Oh, yes, yes. But I thought that small, old negative article was gonna

hurt us. But instead [chuckles] we got twice as many calls of support

than we had before. This right here -- this is gonna reach everyone, all the peoples.

[ Laughs ] You really started something, Rosa.

Yes, sir. By the way, you ready for tomorrow?

>> We're ready. >> What you're doing for us takes a very special kind of

courage. All right. All right, now.

>> This is the new, condensed handbill.

Looks like we're having a lot more support than we had expected, with many church

leaders promising to speak to their congregation during Sunday ser-- Mama.

>> [ Sighs ] My mother was five years old when slavery ended, but she

didn't see much change. They lived on the same plantation that she was born on.

No money, no property. Living was about surviving. And that's all.

And slavery -- slavery was imprisonment, and every part of their lives was at the mercy of

others -- when to rise, when to sleep, when to eat, when to relieve themselves, when and if

to live or die. So, you see, nowadays people -- people look at what they have

and they say, "Yes, this is enough. On this, I can -- I can get by."

And that's because they remember what it was like in the past and they remember that thisis much

better than living in chains. So, you see, not everyone is going to step up and stand by

you. >> But they must see that these injustices are not just a

bother, they're an impediment to our future. If we don't stand up against

them now, we will remain where we are today. We have to move forward.

>> Rosa, hear me. Your cause is an honorable one. Your cause is a worthy one.

Our people need women like you. But you are my only daughter and if anything happens to you, my

life will end. I love you and I don't know what cause could be bigger than you

are to me. >> I understand. I-I do, but -- but this is who

you taught me to be. >> I am afraid for you, but... from fear, we rise.

** [ Sighs ] All right. >> Mama was right.

From fear, we do rise. And through example, we inspire. **

People don't always have the courage to do what's right or stand with what's right when

they think that they are alone, but courage can come when we stand together...as one.

** ** [ Indistinct conversations ]

** ** **

>> My name is Raymond Parks, and my wife, Mrs. Rosa Parks, is the defendant.

Thank you, officer. >> I was praying for a guilty

verdict, even though I knew I was innocent. >> All rise.

>> We needed to lose here in order to win in the higher court.

>> Yes, sir. Um, well, we got a call saying

that there was a colored woman sitting in the white section on the bus.

>> We had the seats marked and -- and -- and had an unexpected group of -- of

Caucasians come in and -- and I needed to make some room in the se-- in the bus and asked, you

know, for them to make some room. And everybody did except her.

>> Bus driver, Mr. Blake, got off and he pointed out the defendant.

>> Had a discussion with the driver and stepped on and removed [clears throat]

removed the woman. >> Mr. Blake confronted the defendant.

She became indignant. >> Not argumentive. She never really raised her

voice. We never had an argument. She just wouldn't do what I

asked her to do. >> And I -- And I would say she was defiant.

>> No, sir. Uh, verbal force, maybe, but she -- she ultimately

cooperated. >> I'd seen her on the bus before, you know, but never had

any trouble out of her before. >> Why do we have to disrupt the peace of society?

I do not understand that. >> Just kind of following orders.

[ Indistinct chatter ] >> Will the defendant please rise?

Mrs. Rosa Parks, you are hereby found guilty of failure to comply with Chapter 6, Section

11 of the Montgomery City Code. I hereby fine you...$10. Pay the clerk.

[ Gavel bangs ] ** **

**

[ Insects chirping ] >> Want to start off by saying

good evening... >> Good evening. >> ...to all the brothers and

sisters. Those of you joining us for the first time in this house of the

Lord, Holt Baptist Church, thank you for coming tonight. This is a special night not only

in this church, not only in this community, but we're hoping that tonight begins something

special. [ Applause ] Something -- Something that will

affect us, our children, and our grandchildren. So, please, show some love and

pay very, very close attention to the words you're about to hear tonight from the man I'm

about to bring up here -- Reverend King. [ Cheers and applause ]

>> Evening. We have...

brothers and sisters -- we have, as a people, been on a journey, a journey that, for a

great many years of our history, has passed through the valley of the shadow of death.

[ Crowd murmurs in agreement ] For much of that time, we have been bound in chains.

We crossed an ocean in chains. We arrived in chains. >> Hmm, come on. Preach.

>> And although it has not been that long ago that we were relieved of our shackles, we now

live in chains. [ Crowd murmurs in agreement ] You may not feel the clasp

around your ankles, you may not feel the binding of your wrists, but I am here to tell you that

until we are afforded true freedom, until the water fountains of Alabama, until the

buses of Montgomery no longer separate their citizens by the color of their skin...

[ Crowd murmurs in agreement ] ...our journey to freedom is not yet complete.

This journey will not be an easy one. It is a journey that we must

take together...for we have only gotten this far because of the sacrifices of those who came

before us. I stand here tonight in this most holy of places...

because Mrs. Rosa Parks was brave enough to set aside her own fears and take a stand

against injustice. [ Crowd murmurs in agreement ] [ Applause ]

Today, we stood side by side in peaceful protest against the

discriminatory practices of this city's bus rules. But it does not end here.

We must continue this journey, for there comes a time when we can no longer bear the weight of

the oppressor upon our backs. There comes a time when we can no longer stand idly by waiting

for the tides of change to pull us into ourfreedom. There comes a time when, even

with the burdening weight of injustice upon us, we must gather the strength to stand.

And in standing, we will break these chains and we will rise in the light of our true freedom.

[ Applause ] ** **

**

>> Until that moment, it truly

did not dawn on me that my one act had created a shift in the

tapestry of this nation. And with the brilliant

leadership of the young Reverend King, who would rise as

Dr. King, that very night helped launch the civil rights

movement, which changed our country and inspired the world.

** **

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