Rosa Parks’ Property Cannot Sell Without Judge’s Approval

Elaine Steele and Adam Shakoor, the co-personal representatives of Rosa Parks’ estate, must post an $8 million surety bond as demanded by a Wayne County judge last week. The bond is to protect the financial interests of Park’s nieces and nephews during the sale of Parks’ valuable possessions. Probate Judge Freddie Burton Jr. told those involved with the six year battle over the civil rights icon’s estate that they need to work together to decide how to dispose of Parks’ possession. Judge Burton also said that none of Parks’ possession can sell without his approval.

The auction house estimates that Parks’ possession are worth between $8 million and $10 million based on their historical value. Steven Cohen, the attorney for Parks’ longtime personal assistant and caregiver, Elaine Steele, believes the property is only worth $4 million because no buyer has come forth.

See David Ashenfelter, Judge Tells Rosa Parks’ Estate Disputers Nothing Sells Without His OK, Detroit Free Press, Mar. 21, 2012.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.