The city of Paterson declared December 1, "Rosa Parks Day," 66 years after she refused to give up her seat to white person on a city bus in the segregated south.
The Superintendent of Schools Eileen Shafer and Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh joined other local community leaders in the celebration.
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"Rosa Parks was truly a historic figure and an inspiration to many," Sayegh said. "I am proud to join Superintendent Shafer in proclaiming December 1 as Rosa Parks Day in the city of Paterson."
The ceremony was held outside a high school named after the civil rights icon.
Students from the Rosa Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts took part in the ceremony, which included live performances.
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