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Exhibition Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words

Raymond Parks (1903–1977), Montgomery, Alabama, ca. 1947. Photograph. Visual Materials from the Rosa Parks Papers, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (013.00.00)
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Husband, Raymond Parks

Raymond Parks was born in Wedowee, Alabama, the son of David, a carpenter, and Geri Culbertson Parks. He spent his childhood caring for ill family members and was orphaned as a teen. A mutual friend introduced Raymond to Rosa in the spring of 1931. He proposed on their second date. She “thought he was too white,” but was impressed with his character and defiant attitude. They married on December 18, 1932, in Pine Level and remained a devoted couple until his death in 1977.