Rosa Parks was the first African American woman to refuse to give up her bus seat on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama. Her act of defiance against racial segregation laws became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring many to join the struggle for equality and justice. Parks' courage and determination led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event that demonstrated the power of collective action against institutionalized racism. She is often referred to as "the mother of the civil rights movement" for her significant role in challenging discriminatory practices in the United States.