Commemorating Rosa Parks’ Courage and Standing for Multicultural Harmony
- Shane Warren
- Dec 1
- 2 min read
AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
1st December 2025
December 1 marks the 70th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ quiet yet profound act of courage in Montgomery, Alabama, when she refused to give up her seat on a city bus in defiance of racial segregation laws — an act that ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Her stand was not just about a seat: it was a declaration of dignity, justice, and human equality that resonated across generations.
At a time when public discourse in many places is being tested by division and fear-based narratives about difference, we draw strength and clarity from Parks’ legacy. She reminds us that the true measure of a healthy society is not uniformity, but how we recognise, respect, and uphold the dignity of every person and culture.
VMHPAA affirms that multicultural harmony is not only compatible with social cohesion, it is foundational to it.
As our Chair, Shane Warren, has articulated: “Multiculturalism does not scare me — it excites me. Because diversity builds strength. Because societies thrive when cultures meet and learn from one another.” This is not just an aspiration; it is a lived reality in Australia’s rich cultural tapestry and in effective community wellbeing practice.
We stand with all communities in rejecting narratives that seek to diminish, other, or marginalise. Instead, we celebrate the values that Parks’ life embodied - courage in the face of injustice, unity in diversity, and shared commitment to human dignity. These are the values that strengthen not only our social fabric but also our collective mental health and communal resilience.
As we reflect on this anniversary, let it be a moment to recommit to inclusive dialogue, mutual respect, and the deep work of building communities where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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