RNC clarifies 'ending racism' post on anniversary of Parks' arrest

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Republican National Committee tweaked a tweet marking the anniversary of Rosa Parks' landmark arrest in Montgomery, Ala., after it was met with criticism.

Sunday marked the anniversary of Parks' 1955 arrest for not moving to the back of a segregated bus. The RNC posted on its Twitter page a picture of Parks with the message, "Today we remember Rosa Parks' bold stand and her role in ending racism."

The tweet set off a wave of criticism, including the handle "#RacismEndedWhen," carping on the GOP for suggesting that racism no longer existed, Politico reported Monday.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee tweeted: "#RacismEndedWhen Republicans stopped Congress from fixing the Voting Rights Act... cause who needs that anymore?"

Later Sunday, the RNC clarified its earlier tweet, saying its choice of words should have been different: "Previous tweet should have read 'Today we remember Rosa Parks' bold stand and her role in fighting to end racism.'"