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Co-Leader of the Maori Party and Member of Parliament for Te Tai Hauauru

The passing of Rosa Parks today is mourned by all people who have encountered racism in their lives. She has served as an illustrious role model for people throughout the world in conquering a plague that continues to rear its ugly head.

The example she has set is that the actions of one woman can make a great difference in this world. By refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man on December 1st 1955 she forced people in the United States to confront their own hideous reality of racism. The event triggered a 381 day bus boycott and the Supreme Court’s ruling that segregation on transportation is unconstitutional.

At the time and even today her deed provided a great hope for Maori who wanted to change the racist attitudes of society in general. Racism was rife in that era. Racism still exists today in many forms. But Rosa Parks serves as a reminder that one person can change the world for the better. Her loss will be felt across the globe.

ENDS

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