Rosa Parks Essay Contest

Are you a high school student who lives in Grand Rapids or goes to school in Grand Rapids? You can be eligible for a scholarship opportunity through the Rosa Parks Essay Contest. Scholarship awards range from $500 - $1,000. Watch this short video to learn more about Rosa Parks and the establishment of the Rosa Parks Essay Contest.

About the Rosa Parks Essay Contest

Rosa Parks was an ordinary Black woman who lived in the segregated South of the fifties and stood for justice and equality for her people. One day, when she could not stand the insults of racism for one more moment, she challenged the injustice of having to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man, as declared by law. Facing humiliation, arrest, and perhaps worse, she refused to bow to power and claimed her human right to the bus seat for which she had purchased a ticket.

In Grand Rapids, we have dedicated a sculpture to honor the life of this brave woman who changed American society in a monumental way, but a sculpture alone is not enough. This bronze monument is a message to those who would continue her work, uphold her philosophy, and “demonstrate dignity with pride and courage with perseverance.”

The Rosa Parks Sculpture Committee encourages students in grades 9 - 12 to write an essay about how to live out Mrs. Parks' legacy by stepping outside the bounds of their reality, taking risks, and shaping lives to make a difference.

Important Dates

Submission Deadline October 16, 2026

Winners Recognition December 4, 2026

Essay Criteria

Appearance

Essay must be double-spaced, size 12 Times New Roman or similar font (no italics or other fancy fonts), white paper only and stapled. Cover Sheet must include:

Title of Essay
Date
Your Name
Grade Level
School
Home Address
Phone Number (in case we need to contact you)

Please do not put your name or school on any of the other pages of the essay.

Mechanics

Students should pay attention to:

Grammar
Spelling
Capitalization
Punctuation
Paragraphing
Sentence structure

Composition Structure

Essay shall include the following:

Be 1.5 - 2 pages long
Be your own idea
Have a title that is not a restatement of the theme
Have an introductory paragraph
Have main points with supporting ideas
Have a conclusion

The Prompt

Every generation has its own tools, and history remembers not the tools but how they were utilized. Rosa Parks used the tools available to her to mobilize her message whether it was through the radio, word of mouth, and print until it touched hearts and reshaped a nation. Now, the ability to mobilize your message has gotten easier with the use of modern technology (i.e. smartphones, computers, and AI) in which a single post, video, or hashtag has the ability to reach thousands of people with the potential of defining someone’s legacy.

Just like how Rosa Parks used the media of her time to amplify her message. What role should social media play in creating positive change today?

Submission Details

Who Can Apply?

Students living in Grand Rapids or attending a school in Grand Rapids are eligible to submit essays for their scholarship opportunity.

Submission Date and Place

All entries must either be postmarked or emailed by October 16, 2026. Mail to Office of Equity and Engagement, City of Grand Rapids, 300 Monroe Ave NW Suite 480, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email at crc@grcity.us.

Recognition

The winning essays will be announced on December 4, 2026. The decision of the judges will be final, and first place winners may be featured in publications and required to sign a photo release waiver.