60 Years Ago Today, a Ms. Parks Refused to Give Up Her Seat

Growing up, I was taught that one day, many years ago, when that world was so distant it seemed best remembered in sepia tone, an exhausted woman got on a bus, sat down, and refused to move when she was told to do so.  This simple act was the spark that ignited The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 and lit the flame of revolution.

Sure.  It could have happened that way... nice, quite, over-worked Rosa Parks just not wanting to move because her feet ached, and her back hurt, and won't someone just give her a break?

In reality, Parks was fierce.  She knew, getting on that bus that day, the only way she was going to get off was under arrest.  She trained for months to thicken her skin to the insults that would be slung at her.  She knew she might be hurt.  She knew she might be killed. She took a chance, anyway.  Powerfully.  Quietly.  Peacefully.

Today marks the 60th anniversary of that historic bus ride.  You want to be inspired? Read about who Rosa REALLY was, here.

Thank you, Rosa.  Without your courage, and the courage of your fellow revolutionaries, we would be living in a very different world.