During the February 4th City Council meeting, Fullerton resident Bill Preston made a heartfelt appeal regarding the lack of a proclamation honoring Rosa Parks. He expressed his disappointment with Mayor Fred Jung for not including this important recognition in the agenda. Preston serves as the global legacy ambassador for the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute in Detroit.

“The Mother of Civil Rights” Rosa Parks

Preston addressed the audience, sharing, “Mr. Mayor, my heart is broken today.” He noted how the legacy of  Rosa Parks has been honored by both Republicans and Democrats across the nation including in Statuary Hall in Washington, DC. He mentioned that former President George W. Bush held Mrs. Parks in high esteem, pointing out her impact transcending political boundaries. “It was an act of Congress, the first such tribute since the time of Lincoln,” he stressed.

As he acknowledged thelate Rosa Parks’ February 4th birthday, Preston questioned why such a crucial figure wouldn’t receive a proclamation from the city. “In every city I’ve visited across America, she has been rightfully honored in this way,” he lamented. He quoted Parks: “Each person must live their life as a model for others,” and expressed his desire to present a Rosa Parks Award to the city council next year to celebrate her legacy.

Recalling an event at USC where Parks received an honorary degree in May 1999, Preston described her influence as transformative. “Mrs. Parks didn’t just make a difference—she transformed the world,” he said. Preston further emphasized that honoring her is more than diversity and inclusion; it’s about fairness and treating others with kindness.

Preston recently presented Rosa Parks Spirit Awards to young individuals making a global impact including a student who created a mental health app and another who supports a child helpline in Canada.

His passionate remarks led Mayor Jung to urge Preston to approach him directly in the future about such matters. “If your heart is truly broken and this issue is important to you, you should have come directly to me and don’t go through other channels,” Jung replied.

Another public commenter, Jada, a student from Cal State Fullerton, also shared her concerns over Parks’ lack of recognition, stating that it motivated her to speak as a first-time attendee at the meeting.

The Mayor’s decision not to honor Parks with a proclamation has sparked a significant discussion about the values of the community and how local governments recognize influential historical figures. This situation raises important questions regarding local authorities’ responsibility in honoring those who have made a significant impact on society, ensuring their contributions are remembered and that their stories continue to inspire future generations.

Bill Preston presented a Rosa & Raymond Parks Spirit Award to USC Career Center