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Mrs. Parks had led an active life of community service since her courageous act of dignified defiance that triggered the modern civil rights movement.

She moved to Detroit in 1957 seeking work and safety from the numerous death threats while in Montgomery.

The Rosa Parks Institute was established in 1987 to carry on Mrs. Parks' work by motivating youth to achieve their highest potential.

Mrs. Parks and Elaine Eason Steele are co-founders of the Institute.

The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development was named in honor of Raymond Parks because of his civil rights activism, his love for children and Mrs. Parks love for him.

The Institute's programs reach a multicultural population with affiliated chapters throughout the United States, Canada and the Bahamas. The National Headquarters for the Institute is located in Detroit, Mrs. Parks' home.

The Pathways to Freedom Program is the major segment through which the Rosa Parks philosophy of 'Quiet Strength' is passed onto students through the curriculum design.

Mrs. Parks traveled with the students for the first 10 years of the Pathways to Freedom Program.

In subsequent years she has joined the students at various intervals on the journey.

Students participate in intergenerational programs such as the Learning Centers. Youth mentor senior citizens in acquiring computer skills.

Mrs. Parks was a graduate of the first computer class along with 6 other participants, one of which was 101 years old.

The Rosa Parks Institute is a charitable, educational 501C3 organization which is tax exempt according to federal guidelines.