Libraries Present Rosa Parks Re-Enactor


Jean Donatto.
Photo by Young Audiences of Houston.

On December 1st, 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the colored section of the bus for a white passenger after the white section was filled. Parks’ act of defiance, which led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, became an important symbol of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Fort Bend County Libraries will present theatrical accounts of Parks’ historical bus ride at two locations in March.

The program “Sister Rosa Parks, the Bus Stops Here” will showcase actress/storyteller Jean Donatto as Rosa Parks. The schedule of performances is as follows:

• University Branch Library – Monday, March 9th, 2:30 pm

• First Colony Branch Library – Tuesday, March 10th, 3 pm

As Rosa Parks, Donatto will describe the “incident” on the bus that aroused people of all races to begin the struggle for fair and equal treatment. She will also describe the social climate before, during and after the event.

Donatto is an accomplished actress, storyteller, playwright, director, radio personality, teacher and mentor who performs with Young Audiences of Houston. Trained by the American Conservatory Theater, Donatto also frequently performs with Houston’s Ensemble Theater, Stages Repertory Theatre, and The Presidio in San Francisco.

These re-enactments are made possible by a grant from Young Audiences of Houston. The program is recommended for school-aged youth and adults.

The performances are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-633-4734.