Cleveland Court Apartments 620–638 facts for kids
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Cleveland Court Apartments 620–638
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Cleveland Court Apartments in 2009
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | 620–638 Cleveland Ct., Montgomery, Alabama |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1943 |
| Architect | Montgomery Housing Authority |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001167 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 29, 2001 |
The Cleveland Court Apartments 620–638 is a historic apartment building in Montgomery, Alabama. This building is very important to the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. A famous civil rights activist named Rosa Parks lived in Unit 634. She lived there with her husband, Raymond, and her mother, Leona McCauley. This was during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which happened from 1955 to 1956.
This special building was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on March 30, 1989. Later, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 2001. These lists recognize places that are important to history.
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A Special Home: Cleveland Court Apartments
The Cleveland Court Apartments are located in Montgomery, Alabama. They were built in 1943. The Montgomery Housing Authority designed these apartments. They were built to provide homes for people in the city.
What is the Civil Rights Movement?
The Civil Rights Movement was a huge effort in the United States. It happened mostly in the 1950s and 1960s. People worked to end unfair treatment and segregation. Segregation meant that Black people were kept separate from white people. This was especially true in public places.
The movement fought for equal rights for all Americans. It aimed to make sure everyone had the same opportunities. Many brave people took part in this important fight. They wanted to make the country fairer for everyone.
Who Was Rosa Parks?
Rosa Parks was a very brave woman. She is known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." She was an activist who worked for equal rights. Her actions helped start the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Rosa Parks was born in 1913 in Alabama. She worked as a seamstress. She also served as a secretary for the local NAACP chapter. The NAACP is a group that fights for civil rights.
Rosa Parks' Brave Act
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was riding a city bus in Montgomery. She sat in the "colored" section of the bus. This section was for Black passengers. The front of the bus was for white passengers.
When the white section filled up, the bus driver told Rosa Parks to give up her seat. He wanted her to move to the back of the bus. She refused to move. This was a very brave act of defiance.
Her refusal was not planned. However, it sparked a huge protest. She was arrested for not giving up her seat. This event made many people angry and inspired them to act.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott
The arrest of Rosa Parks led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This was a protest where Black people refused to ride city buses. The boycott started on December 5, 1955. It lasted for 381 days.
During the boycott, people walked to work and school. They also organized carpools. This was a very difficult time for many families. But they kept going to fight for their rights.
How the Boycott Ended
The boycott caused a lot of problems for the bus company. They lost a lot of money. The protest also brought national attention to the issue of segregation. People across the country learned about it.
Finally, in November 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling. They said that bus segregation was against the law. This was a huge victory for the Civil Rights Movement. The boycott officially ended on December 20, 1956.
Cleveland Court Apartments: A Historic Home
Unit 634 at Cleveland Court Apartments was Rosa Parks' home during this important time. It was a place where she could rest. It was also a place where she could plan with other activists.
The apartment building stands as a reminder of her courage. It also reminds us of the strength of the community. They worked together to fight for justice. This building is a symbol of the struggle for civil rights.
Why is it a Landmark?
The Cleveland Court Apartments are recognized as historic landmarks. This means they are important places from the past. They help us remember key events and people.
Being on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage means it's special to Alabama. Being on the National Register of Historic Places means it's important to the whole country. These honors help protect the building. They ensure its story can be told for many years to come.
