The Institute was co-founded in February 1987[1] by Rosa Parks and her long-time friend Elaine Eason Steele.
[3] The purpose of the institute was to "educate and motivate youth and adults, particularly African American people, for self and community betterment.
Different programs were developed like Pathways to Freedom[5] which taught youth about everything from the Underground Railroad to the civil rights movement.
In the past years, staff and leaders have participated in helping young students give their talents to organizations like the Freedom Writers.
These programs have gone on in helping youth return to schools for drop-out status and getting involved in their communities[6] The Rosa Parks Institute has made a large donation to the Save Owasippe movement.