WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Conyers and co-sponsors Congressmen Bobby Rush (D-IL), Fred Upton (R-MI) and Dr. Joe Schwarz (R-MI), along with representatives of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute, came together this morning to call for swift passage of H.R. 4343, which calls for a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the late Rosa Parks, mother of the Civil Rights Movement.

“I’m so pleased,” Conyers said, “that Congressmen Rush, Upton and Schwarz and I were able to collaborate in a bi-partisan manner to introduce this legislation. The depth of support that this legislation has gotten from the people of all political stripes has been deeply moving.  I hope this feeling of goodwill continues so that we can get this momentous tribute to Ms. Parks done in a timely manner.”

 Speaking about the impact on him of the nation’s display of reverence following the passing of Mrs. Parks, Mr Conyers stated, “I’ve been thrilled by the continued tributes to Mrs. Parks.  Of course, I knew that she was going to have a fantastic homecoming celebration, but I never expected three amazing services, much less her lying in honor in the rotunda, nor a statue in the capitol, nor a stamp.”

If passed, H.R. 4343 will make Rosa Parks only the second person in 50 years to have her likeness engraved on a stamp before the tenth anniversary of her passing. The last time was in 1948.  That stamp honored Moina Michael, a woman who had been involved in World War I veterans’ issues.

###12-15-2005###