This year marks the 70th anniversary of civil rights activist Rosa Parks’ refusal to be seated in a segregated section of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Parks’ refusal and subsequent arrest helped bring attention to issues of racial discrimination in the United States and around the world.

A panel will discuss her legacy in a free public event sponsored by Assumption University on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

“Rosa Parks: Race, Religion, and Resistance” will feature:

• Erica Thedford, Parks’ great-niece and a board member of the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation;
• artist, community historian, and activist Lana Talbot;
• Shetina Jones, UWindsor associate vice-president student experience; and
• Michael Brown, team lead of the Ujima initiative supporting Black youth enrolled in United Way’s On Track to Success program;

moderated by John Cappucci, Stephen A. Jarislowky Chair in Religion and Conflict at Assumption University.

The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Caribbean Centre, 2410 Central Ave.