February is Black History Month, and NYSUT is helping classrooms across New York celebrate with a free poster honoring the life of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. The poster, designed to be used as a year-round classroom resource, features Parks with photos of NYSUT leaders and members in the civil rights movement. One photo shows former American Federation of Teachers President Al Shanker donating vehicles to Martin Luther King Jr. for use in a voter registration drive. The poster features a famous Parks quote, "I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people."

Parks, who died in 2005, was a national treasure for her courageous actions during the civil rights movement and her lifetime spent fighting for equality for all people. She bravely refused to surrender her seat on a Montgomery, Ala,.bus to a white passenger in 1955. Her act, which sparked a boycott of Montgomery buses by black citizens, helped launch the modern civil rights movement.

"Rosa Parks demonstrated how single acts of courage can create great momentum for change," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "We're hopeful that this poster will encourage discussions in New York classrooms about the role students and educators can play to help create positive change."

Any NYSUT member may order one free copy of the poster. NYSUT local presidents may request posters in bulk. Shipping and handling charges will apply and will be calculated for you before the order is filled. Quantities are limited.

To order a poster, e-mail orders@nysutmail.org. Please provide your name and address, and reference Project No. 514C.