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Rosa Parks gets free rent for life

DETROIT, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Management officials at Michigan's Riverfront Apartments have reportedly decided to provide civil rights icon Rosa Parks with free rent for life.

The Detroit Free Press reported Monday the decision came as the 91-year-old Parks has fallen on tough financial times in recent years. Parks' vehicle was repossessed and she recei ed two eviction notices in 2002 for failure to keep up with her rent.

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"I thought it was the right thing to do," Riverfront Associates Managing Partner Peter Cummings said Friday. "This woman is an icon. She deserves an enormous amount of respect. In a way, I think it's an honor to be able to accord her that respect."

The decision came after the Free Press reported several of Parks' relatives were concerned about her finances. Two charities associated with Parks had faced lawsuits, while the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit had been paying Parks' rent.

The Rev. Charles Adams said the church had been paying Parks' rent since August 20003, which he described as a "simple act of kindness."

Cummings thanked Adams and relieved it of the monthly rent, which the management company no longer will charge.

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Parks remained responsible only for her utilities, the Free Press said.

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