Raymond Arthur 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... Raymond Parks did not receive a formal education as there was no nearby black school to attend. He taught himself to read with the help of his mother Geri. An avid reader, he cultivated a thorough knowledge of current events and an appreciation for poetry. He held several jobs before moving to Tuskegee, where he learned barbering. He was working at the Atlas Barber & Beauty Shop in downtown Montgomery and was active in the Scottsboro Boys’ defense when he met Rosa in 1931. Source: Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/exhibitions/rosa-parks-in-her-own-words/about-t... and https://www.loc.gov/exhibitions/rosa-parks-in-her-own-words/about-t....

Husband of social reformer Rosa Parks. Son of David Parks and Geri Culbertson-Parks.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 10 2018, 0:34:36 UTC