Question: How did Rosa Parks' background and situation lead to a largely successful boycott, while other similar holdouts did not? Part A: Investigation Plan: Rosa Parks was not the first African American to resist segregation on public transportation, but the effect her resistance had on American history dwarfs that of others. This historical investigation explores the reasons for Parks' success and, on the other hand, why similar acts of resistance did not have the same effect. To answer this question, it is important to understand Parks' life before the accident, as well as the type of image the NAACP was trying to portray through the icon of this important movement. To further discern the factors influencing its outcome, several similar cases are examined. This investigation primarily uses secondary sources from the Internet, such as "Standing Up for Freedom," published by the Academy of Achievement, which details Rosa Parks' life before her resistance on the bus. Additionally, Margot Adler's article "Before Rosa Parks, There Was Claudette Colvin" is widely cited in this investigation and explores the accounts of people like Parks, who resisted public transportation. Part B: Evidence Summary Numerous connections to advocacy for racial equality are evident in Parks' childhood and background. His mother's advice was to take advantage of every opportunity that presented itself, as she knew they were not extremely plentiful. Unfortunately, Parks' background wasn't just about nurturing, maternal advice. As stated in an interview, he often overheard Klu Klux Klan activities such as lynching and burning the homes of African Americans at night. Understandably, he was afraid of finding himself... in the middle of the paper... Network. May 25, 2014.Cannizzaro, Andrew. "Rosa Parks: Before the Bus." Bio. Grimm, Laura. Biography. February 4, 2014.Web. March 25, 2014. Hakim, Gioia. "Homer perplexed." Public broadcasting service. PBS. nd Web. May 25, 2014. “NAACP History: Rosa Parks.” NAACP. NAACP. nd Web. May 25, 2014. “Our Mission” NAACP. NAACP. nd Web. May 25, 2014.Whittaker, Matthew C. Icons of Black America: Breaking Barriers and Crossing Borders. Vol.2. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2011. 689. Print. “Welcome to the NAACP.” NAACP. NAACP. nd Web. May 25 2014.