IN TRIBUTE: Cicely tyson (above) speaks at a press conference hosted by Organic Style on november 30, 2007, at the African American Museum in Detroit, to announce the dedication of the Freedom^® rose. Elaine Steele (below), cofounder of the Rosa and Raymond Parks institute for Self Development, next to a painting of Rosa Parks.

perseverance, and power with discipline in an environment of peace.

The Institute attracts young people from all over the world, including Canada, the Bahamas, Japan, Australia, Africa, and Europe. Steele traveled around the country with Parks and still remembers how young people gravitated toward her. “She was gentle but direct. Everyone could identify with her because she reminded them of a member of their family, a grandmother or an aunt. They wanted to know how she maintained her demeanor and still had the strength to resist Jim Crow. She always answered, ‘It begins in you.’”

One of the programs at the Institute in 2007 involved extended research on the environment. When the Institute’s board learned of Organic Style, they recognized it as a good fit. As Steele says, “Mrs. Parks was a humanitarian ... and the original recycler. She would reuse everything.” The collaboration between the two organizations has been positive. “They feel like family, so generous and welcoming,” Steele says. “Our philosophies are the same: to make the world a much better place to live.” 0

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The Rosa Parks Story Read more about her courageous stance.

Freedom^®, a rose in honor of Rosa Parks, was orchestrated by Organic Style through the generous permission granted by Mr. Christian Evers, President of Rosen tantau, the world-renowned rose breeder and owner of the successful Freedom^® rose variety; and an agreement with the Rosa & Raymond Parks institute for Self Development.

Lush Freedom^® roses have elegant long stems with minimal thorns and generously sized flowers. their deep hue makes them the quintessential red rose. Click to purchase a bouquet.