New Minnesota Exhibit Highlights Enslaved Woman Eliza Winston's Freedom Fight

A new exhibit at the Hennepin History Museum in Minnesota highlights Eliza Winston, an enslaved woman who was freed through a landmark 1860 trial, aiming to center her narrative and shed light on Minnesota's complex history with slavery. Meanwhile, Rosa Parks, widely recognized as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," is often remembered solely for her 1955 bus protest, but historians emphasize her lifelong activism covering a broad range of social justice issues beyond that event. Experts like Dr. Jeanne Theoharis and Dr. Noelle Trent work to reveal Parks’ full political vision and dispel myths about her persona. Commemorations of Parks continue, including annual ceremonies like the Rosa Parks Quiet Courage Committee event in Gainesville, which honors her legacy and local individuals who embody her courage. Parks passed away in 2005, but her impact remains central to civil rights history, as highlighted in retrospectives that recall her as a seasoned activist beyond the famous bus incident. These efforts collectively enrich public understanding of both Parks' enduring legacy and lesser-known historical figures like Winston who fought for freedom and justice.