He was a part of the National Equal Rights League with other famous abolitionists such as Henry Highland Garnet, Frederick Douglass, and John Mercer Langston. Rock's speeches soon began to receive positive public reviews, which led him to travel throughout New England and, occasionally, westward. In 1855, Rock took part in the campaign responsible for the legal desegregation of Boston public schools.
Rock was affiliated with the National Equal Rights League alongside notable figures like Henry Highland Garnet, Frederick Douglass, and John Mercer Langston. As his speeches gained popularity, he embarked on a tour of New England and occasionally ventured westward. In 1855, Rock contributed to the effort that resulted in the desegregation of Boston's public schools.