American activist Rosa Parks was born on this day in 1913.

December 1, 1955, Montgomery, Alabama – a quiet, 42-year-old woman was arrested for refusing to surrender her seat to a man on a bus. The reason? She was African-American and the man was “white”. Yes, I also can’t believe this happened less than 70 years ago. This event led to the United States Supreme Court decision that declared segregated buses unconstitutional.

Rosa’s act of rebellion and the Montgomery bus boycott inspired by her bravery became important symbols of the civil rights movement.

Committed to the cause of human rights, Rosa Parks was prepared to sacrifice her freedom.

“Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

– Benjamin Franklin

Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear glasses.

Rosa was indeed a role model of courage. An inspiration to every fighter who, under social pressure, feels like giving up.

“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically … No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

– Rosa Parks

381 days of constant bus boycott wouldn’t have been possible without her audacious spirit.
She was without doubt one of the most courageous individuals who changed our world. Injustice never ceased to exist, unfortunately. But one thing is sure, injustice never rules forever.

“Had she not, on that particular day, said “Nah, I’m not moving, my feet hurt”, we would have a different nation, and a different world.” 

– Maya Angelou