Author Keys weaves her siblings' memories into a treasury of life, not politics or action.
That's why "Our Auntie Rosa" is so important.įilled with memories of the Parks' lives within the raucous, loving McCauley family, this book offers things history doesn't tell you. But when was the last time you thought about Mr. With the approaching 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks' famous act of defiance, you're likely to hear a lot about her in the next year. And even well into her 80s, she vowed to keep doing what needed to be done In her latter years, they say, she was the same calm, determined person she'd always been. She counseled them not to judge as they had been judged, but she showed them that there's a limit to forgiveness. Through her mistakes, she taught the power of apology. She made sure there was food on tables more than once and clothes on young backs. To the children of her beloved brother and to those she enfolded in her circle, Parks embodied strength and fearlessness. An elegant, sharp dresser, Parks was never showy in manner or accomplishment - although she did save all her hate mail.
She was steady, supportive and resourceful, but she encouraged independence. Their Auntie Rosa was a good cook who loved to entertain.
The Parks never had any children themselves, so the McCauley kids were happy to absorb any extra love. The nieces and nephews asked her sometimes, but she usually waved questions away. But for most of them, it took awhile to make the connection: the woman on the bus that day in Montgomery was their Auntie Rosa Parks.Įven after she moved north, after she and her husband and mother came to live with the 11-member McCauley family in Detroit, their Auntie Rosa didn't much speak of her actions. Sure, they'd read about the woman who launched the civil rights movement. Allen Jr.), you will read one family's recollections of an icon.įor much of their early lives, Sylvester McCauley's children didn't know who their favorite aunt really was. And in the new book, "Our Auntie Rosa" by Sheila McCauley Keys (with Eddie B. The laugh-til-you-cry telling, the knee-slapping, each embellishment as years go by - that's what truly matters.įamily stories are the glue that holds you all together. Nobody remembers why or what happened afterward the particulars are lost, and they aren't important anymore, really. Once, many years ago, your grandmother chased your grandpa out of the house.
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