Elaine Eason Steele and Mrs Rosa L. Parks co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development in February, 1987 to help children reach their “highest potential.”  Under Steele’s direction, the Institute’s flagship program, “Pathways to Freedom,” enrolled and mentored over 9000 children who crossed the nation, Caribbean and Canada to study the civil rights movement, social activism, and community leadership.  Elaine also authored the recently published book, “By Her Side,”  which she co-wrote with Pulitzer Prize winning author Eugene Cartwright. The book chronicles the 50+ years of friendship and activism with Mrs. Parks as they traveled the world together fighting for civil rights. 

Elaine credits her social activism to her parents, both activists from the South, and to Mrs. Rosa Parks. “Mrs. Parks helped me to convey to our Pathways’ students students,  the importance of education, character, and understanding both one’s history and civic responsibility,” said Elaine. Her parents emphasized the importance of community networking, courage, and “walking the talk” for social justice. Together, they have developed a layered foundation to help “pass the torch” to our community’s youth.