12.04.2007 - 12:00pm ET

Detroit: "Freedom(R), a rose in honor of Rosa Parks" was unveiled by OrganicStyle.com on December 1. Mrs. Parks and Elaine Steele (right) co-founded the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development in 1987.

(CSRwire) DETROIT, MI - December 5, 2007 - The Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development (www.RosaParks.org) has partnered with Organic Style Ltd. (www.OrganicStyle.com) to honor Rosa Parks on the 52nd anniversary of her historic protest against segregation and racism with the introduction of Freedom(R), a rose in honor of Rosa Parks.

In celebration of Rosa Parks and her legacy, Organic Style, the nation's leading online eco-boutique and pioneer of sustainably-grown flowers, has introduced Freedom(R), a rose in honor of Rosa Parks. OrganicStyle.com will donate ten percent of on-line sales from this special variety of vibrant red roses to support the work of the Institute. The Freedom(R) rose bouquet will retail for $49.95 (plus tax and shipping), and is available exclusively at www.OrganicStyle.com. A special commemorative booklet is included with the first one thousand orders.

Rosa Parks received world-wide acclaim when, on December 1, 1955, she refused the orders of a bus driver in Montgomery, Alabama to surrender her seat to a white male passenger. Her subsequent arrest sparked a 381-day Bus Boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leading to the 1956 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation on buses was unconstitutional. Mrs. Parks received hundreds of awards, including the President's Medal of Freedom in 1996, and is distinguished in history books as the mother of the modern day Civil Rights movement.

"Freedom(R), a rose in honor of Rosa Parks, expresses visually the admiration and love of people from around world for Mrs. Parks who changed the course of history," says Elaine Steele, Mrs. Parks' friend of forty-five years. In 1987, Mrs. Rosa Parks and Ms. Steele co-founded the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development as a living legacy of two individuals who committed their lives to civil and human rights.

Freedom(R), a rose in honor of Rosa Parks, was orchestrated by Organic Style through the generous permission granted by Mr. Christian Evers, President of Rosen Tantau, the world-renowned rose breeder and owner of the successful Freedom(R) rose variety; and an agreement with the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.

The Freedom(R) rose is widely regarded as one of the finest quality roses in the world, known for its vibrant red color, abundant petals, minimal thorns and long-lasting vase life.

"This is the first in a series of roses to be named for extraordinary people who have made the world a better place," said Gerald Prolman, CEO of Organic Style. "We are deeply honored to support Rosa Parks' vision for equality and a just society."

All Freedom(R) roses sold by Organic Style under this agreement are certified sustainably grown by Veriflora(R) - an international program that guarantees environmental protection, fair labor practices and flower quality. Internationally-acclaimed growers, including Nevado Ecuador, one of the leading producers of organic and eco-certified roses, will grow an estimated ten million stems - or about 835,000 dozen bunches - of Freedom(R) roses in 2008.

Anita Peek, Executive Director of Institute, sees the delicate yet firm demeanor of Rosa Parks reflected in the Freedom(R) roses. "Through her work with youth and volunteer mentors at the Institute, Mrs. Parks recognized the importance of preserving and beautifying the environment." In 2007, through the Institute's Pathways to Freedom program, students visited Trillium Haven Farms, an organic farm in western Michigan, where they learned about organic production systems which incorporate soil fertility, natural pest control, and biodiversity.

"The partnership with Organic Style, a leader in socially and environmentally-responsible products, is an important one as we move forward in our Rosa Parks: Next Generation campaign," said Lila Cabbil, Director of Programs and President Emeritus. "As her legacy organization, we strive to maintain consistency with the values and principles of Mrs. Parks, and teach future generations about the critical importance of environmental stewardship and care for the well-being of farm workers."

About the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development:

Visit www.RosaParks.org to learn about the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, and their signature program, Pathways to Freedom - in their annual theme: "Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?" youth, ages 11-17, perform educational and historical research on the past, present and future. There are five divisions to the program: national, regional, local, quantum leap to success (QLS) and international. Youth participate globally. See excerpts from the 2007 program at www.youtube.com/rosaparksinstitute.

About Organic Style Ltd.:

Organic Style Ltd. (www.OrganicStyle.com) is an online eco-boutique for people seeking inspiring products that uphold the well-being of the planet and humankind. Their flagship brand, OrganicBouquet.com, is widely recognized as America's pioneer of organic and eco-flowers.

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