In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with H.H. Leonards. H.H. Leonards is the founder and chair of the O Street Museum Foundation, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and the Mansion on O Street, where Mrs. Rosa Parks called her home-away-from-home for the last decade of her life. H.H. Leonards is also the author of the book Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership. Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_bus_boycott) . In the conversation, H.H. Leonards shares why they connected on a deep level when she met Rosa Parks. H.H. Leonards also shares both historical accounts recounted to her by Rosa Parks as well as her experience during the ten years Rosa Parks lived at the Mansion on O Street. Finally, H.H. Leonards shares what Rosa Parks felt it would take to end racism and her hope for future generations. The episode ends with the beautiful song “Enough” which was made to honor Rosa Parks. The song lyrics are by Oscar-winning songwriter Paul Williams, and the music was written by Mark Bryan (lead guitarist for Hootie & the Blowfish) and Ranky Tanky, both Grammy winners.
Some Highlights
-Why Rosa Parks came to Washington DC to live at the Mansion on O Street
-H.H. Leonards and Rosa Parks bonding over their shared values of family, love, and helping others
-Rosa Parks' role in the civil rights movement and the many challenges she faced after the Montgomery Bus Boycott
-The many myths surrounding Rosa Parks not giving up her seat on the bus and what really happened that fateful day and why
-H.H. Leonards on getting to know Rosa Parks even better, by accompanying her to meetings and through her touch
-Rosa Parks’ role in the founding of the National Organization for Women
-How Rosa Parks' meeting with Pope John Paul II came about and its significance
-Rosa Parks’ view on what it would take to help end racism
-The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
-The three-city funeral for Rosa Parks
-A message that Rosa Parks would want to be passed on to future generations
Resources:
YouTube Video of Enough (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDeQuMs5Sas&list=PLCXGaYmP3ij8ngwfQuJDgG7FHwr13tkar&index=2)
Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Rosa-Parks-Beyond-Bus-Leadership/dp/1681679337/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3EJ65OXRBNHI7&keywords=H.H.+Leonards+rosa+parks&qid=1673049185&sprefix=h.h.+leonards+rosa+parks%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-2)
Connect with H.H. Leonards
The Mansion on O Street (https://www.omansion.com/)
H.H. Leonards on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hleonards/)
Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:
Mahan Tavakoli Website (https://mahantavakoli.com/)
Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/)
Partnering Leadership Website (https://www.partneringleadership.com/)
