Guide Note:

A childhood friend of Rosa Parks, Johnnie Carr participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped end school segregation and voting discrimination in Alabama. Carr succeeded Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. as head of the Montgomery Improvement Association, holding that post from 1967 until her death in 2008, at the age of 97.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: January 26, 1911
2. Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama
3. Died: February 22, 2008
4. Occupation: Activist
5. Childhood friend of Rosa Parks

Key Dates

• January 26, 1911: Born in Montgomery, Alabama
• 1934: Marries Arlam J. Carr
• 1946: Founds women's political group with aim of improving status of Montgomery's black community
• 1955: Becomes member of Montgomery Improvement Association
• December 1, 1955: Friend Rosa Parks refuses to give up seat on Montgomery bus
• 1967: Become head of Montgomery Improvement Association
• 1995: Husband, Arlam, dies
• 2005: Eulogizes Rosa Parks at Washington D.C. ceremonies
• February 22, 2008: Dies after stroke