Thug Life Army

There has been a resolution to the Rosa Parks and the hip-hop rap group Outkast matter. All the parties; Dennis Archer, Chairman of Dickinson Wright PLLC, former Mayor of Detroit and guardian ad litem for Rosa Parks, and Sony BMG Music Entert. Sony, the hip-hop rap group Outkast, Arista Records LLC, and LaFace Records are pleased to announce a resolution in what has been a highly contested matter concerning the use of civil rights activist Rosa Parks'' name on a CD released in 1998 by the renowned hip-hop rap artists Outkast.

The sacrifices and work that Mrs. Parks has made during her life to ensure that all people are treated fairly under the law is acknowledged and appreciated by both sides.  Mr. Archer highly commends Outkast and the other defendants for their interest in keeping the legacy of Rosa Parks alive.

Mr. Archer also wishes to assure fans of Outkast of the strong support of Mrs. Parks for their outstanding talent and her encouragement for all youth in their development spiritually, socially, and economically.

As a lawyer, Mayor Archer acknowledges the artistic freedom inherent in musicians'' First Amendment rights. All parties acknowledged that the resolution implied no fault by the defendants.  SONY BMG, Outkast, and their counsel worked many hours with plaintiff's counsel and noted San Francisco mediator Judge Daniel Weinstein to structure a settlement that will allow SONY BMG, Outkast, Arista Records, and LaFace Records, and the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute to become partners in developing educational programs to enlighten today's youth about the significant role Rosa Parks played in making America a better place for all races.

December 1, 2005, marks the 50th anniversary of Mrs. Parks'' arrest that helped to ignite the civil rights movement. One of the components of this multi-faceted agreement is a tribute CD to be produced by SONY BMG on which Outkast has graciously agreed to perform, along with many other contemporary artists.  All parties are also excited about partnering to produce an educational tribute television broadcast special about Mrs. Parks'' "quiet strength," life, and legacy.

This television broadcast will be hosted by Mr. Archer. A DVD of the broadcast will be distributed to thousands of public schools throughout the country to help educate young boys and girls about the significance of the Civil Rights Movement, and the tremendous role Rosa Parks and others played during those turbulent times.  Mayor Archer also indicated that "The living and health needs of Mrs. Parks, who is 92 years old, will be secure under the settlement."

"I am pleased with this outcome. The parties negotiated in good faith to reach this settlement.  As a former Michigan Supreme Court Justice, I want to commend the lawyers from both sides for conducting themselves with integrity and distinction during these settlement discussions and I especially want to thank Mrs. Elaine Steele for her good work in caring for Mrs. Parks over the years and for protecting and promoting her legacy.  Finally, I wish to thank Comerica Bank, who already was handling an account of Mrs. Parks, for agreeing to administer the funds that will take care of her future needs," said Mayor Archer.