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Exhibition Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words

Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words

Rosa’s Brother, Sylvester James McCauley

Sylvester J. McCauley (1915–1977), Rosa’s brother in WWII, between 1942 and 1946. Photograph. Visual Materials from the Rosa Parks Papers, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (007.00.00)
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Rosa’s Brother, Sylvester James McCauley

Sylvester James McCauley, Rosa’s only sibling, was born on August 20, 1915, in Pine Level, Alabama. When their mother became seriously ill, Sylvester left school to help support the family. During World War II he served in the Army in the European and the Pacific theaters. While on leave he met his wife, Daisy, at a restaurant in South Carolina. After the war they moved to Detroit and reared thirteen children. Sylvester worked for the Chrysler Motor Company and did carpentry jobs on the side.