Rosa Parks Foundation to Hold 45th Anniversary Gala at Henry Ford Museum

At the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation marks its 45th year on November 1. Since 1980, the group has backed over 1,600 Michigan students with $3 million in aid.

Actor Courtney B. Vance, known for his Emmy wins, steps up as the main speaker. CNN's Jamal Simmons joins in to share his story as a past winner.

"Funds raised at our upcoming event will help us continue our mission, supporting the next generation of scholars as they pursue their dreams in college and beyond," said foundation president Jim Rosenfeld, as per the Michigan Chronicle.

The night starts with select guests gathering near the famous Montgomery bus—the same one where Parks stood firm. Later, guests will dine and dance while a Detroit DJ spins tracks.

Back in 1980, Parks teamed up with The Detroit News and local schools to start giving out awards. Students win based on their marks, good deeds, and how they lead others.

Parks's great-niece, Erica Thedford, sits on the board today. "Auntie Rosa was always pushing us to make sure we went as far as we could with our education and never stopped learning," said Thedfordm according to the Michigan Chronicle.

Past winners now work as teachers, builders, lawyers, and artists. Writer Monice Mitchell Simms credits her start to the group. "Because of that, I got the confidence to apply for everything, and I kept applying and kept applying," Simms said, as per the Michigan Chronicle.

As school, costs keep are getting too high, and the group aims to give more money to more students across Michigan.

The museum makes a fitting spot for the big night—it houses the actual bus from Parks's bold stand in 1955. Visitors now learn from this piece of the past.

Want to join in? Get tickets on Eventbrite. Check rosaparksscholarship.org to learn more about helping students reach their goals.