Public Law 106-26,authorized that a this medal be struck in recognition of Rosa Parks for her “contributions to the Nation as the first lady of civil rights.” This medal is a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Rosa Parks at a ceremony at the United States Capitol building on June 15, 1999.
The obverse of the medal features her portrait with the following inscriptions centered along the top “ROSA PARKS” and centered along the bottom and sides “MOTHER OF THE MODERN DAY CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT.”
The reverse features the motto “QUIET STRENGTH” centered along the top above a globe, which is beneath the scales of justice, framed by a swag of oak leaves on the left and right sides. The quotes, “PRIDE, DIGNITY, COURAGE,” and “BY ACT OF CONGRESS 1999” are inscribed on the center bottom of the reverse.