CIVIL RIGHTS

A Forgotten Contribution

Before Rosa Parks, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on the bus.

By Eliza Gray | NEWSWEEK
Published Mar 2, 2009

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  • Posted By: WeGotPapi @ 03/03/2009 4:03:37 AM

    I am going to apologize here because after reading this story, I am just not impressed. At all, actually. Sorry.

    • Posted By: ckenzirenee_2013@hotmail.com @ 04/03/2009 11:12:08 AM

      I agree.

  • Posted By: opie1921 @ 03/03/2009 2:55:55 AM

    Ms. Colvin, I am so glad that you did live to see Obama elected president. I'm about 15 years younger and white, and I wondered when we would see an African-American in the White House, too. I think we got a real gem in the Oval Office this time. I'm still waiting for the first woman, though.

    • Posted By: jfmccann @ 03/03/2009 10:03:51 AM

      What you got was a fake Jem

      • Posted By: ckenzirenee_2013@hotmail.com @ 04/03/2009 11:11:04 AM

        definatly a fake gem.

  • Posted By: karlknight @ 03/03/2009 12:24:59 PM

    As I read your comments such as 2daryl10, janeyre, jessicabeaver adn bobh20 it reminds me that you Amerians are idiots, your the same people who elected Bush twice and Arnold as California Gov and Jessie Ventura as Mayor. You get what you deserve. Claudette Colvin is a National Hero

    • Posted By: JessicaBeaver @ 03/05/2009 1:16:09 PM

      I didn't say that she didn't fight the good fight! I simply said we don't know her name like we do parks because of the way she behaved an lived her life. As another poster stated "she wasn't a model citizen." My comment was not detracting from what she attempted to do. She just didn't succeed because the NAACP didn't want to completely back someone who had a poor background. Why don't you do a little research and see how different she was from Parks? Or better yet, take a class about Civil Rights and see how often we here about Colvin compared to Parks.

      • Posted By: ckenzirenee_2013@hotmail.com @ 04/03/2009 10:50:04 AM

        I just read an amazing book about Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin. The authors viewpoint was that Colvin did not get the recognition because she, like you said, was not a model citizen. They were prepared to take this case to a higher court until they found out that she was going to be an unwed mother.

    • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 5:14:57 PM

      Gee Karl, you need to watch what you say. My SN is shown beside a comment, I didn't make. I already know my History. I am not a person who voted for Bush. Nor am I in denial. My comments are what I feel. I was responding to Jessica. I agree with what you are saying. Ms Colvins, didn't get her due. I know it was because of her dark complextion.

      • Posted By: ckenzirenee_2013@hotmail.com @ 04/03/2009 10:47:05 AM

        I voted for Bush. He was a great president. At least he was a Christian. Chill out.

  • Posted By: JessicaBeaver @ 03/03/2009 9:45:54 AM

    The main reason that Claudette Colvin is not as well known as Rosa Parks is because of the way she reacted. Even this article states "the girl stood her ground, yelling, "It's my constitutional right" " Did Parks react that way? No. Parks also had a solid background that was dignified and graceful. It goes to show that the way you behave and act determines the outcome. While both Colvin and Patks shared the outcome, it wasn't because of a screaming girl, it was because of a dignified woman.

    • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 5:01:36 PM

      Sorry JessicaBeaver, you don't have a clue. The difference was their skin color... Get with it... Blacks are more racist than any other race... Had Ms Colvin, been light complexion, like Ms Parks... She would have been treated, differently by those Black People, at that time... Bull, you are just in denial...

      • Posted By: JessicaBeaver @ 03/25/2009 12:35:06 PM

        Sorry, but I have completed a case study about these two particular people and while skin color did play a role in the way some colored people (and whites) saw others; it was not the main factor the NAACP backed Parks instead of Colvin. Parks was backed because she had a strong background that was free of trouble and other things that would make the black race look bad. When Parks was removed from the bus, she didn't argue or name call, she went willingly and calmly. Both ladies (as well as many other people) stepped up and did what needed to be done. There is no denying that without the help of many we would not have progressed as far as we have. Granted, we still have a LONG way to go.

        About the skin hues: I will admit that skin hues did play a factor with how people felt though. In Malcolm X's autobiography he talks about how his mother favored the darker skinned children because her mother was raped by a white man and she hated the evidence left behind in the color of her skin.

        During my research, I have found numerous academic books that have stated that Negros GENERALLY felt two ways: either they preferred to be very dark because they were proud or they wanted to be as light as possible so they would be more accepted. In the same instances, white people didn't want to get to much sun because they were afraid to get dark and be mistaken for an African American. (I believe this is also stated in Melba Patillo's Book Warriors Don't Cry).
        There were numerous factors that influenced this volatile time period and it is unfair to pinpoint one and say ???It was because of this.???

        Bottom line is African Americans were done a huge injustice from which we can still feel the repercussions.

    • Posted By: LaTonyaBlount @ 03/03/2009 10:44:15 AM

      Dignified? How dignified can you be when you are being pulled from a bus, handcuffed and jailed? She was a child reacting how frighten children react. Rosa Parks was a woman at the time this happened to her. As women we know how to react to issues that arise. I find it very strange and typical how people like to use words to fit their mentality about others or what they perceive to be the way people act.

      • Posted By: JessicaBeaver @ 03/05/2009 1:21:39 PM

        If she was a "child reacting how frighten children react" maybe she should have been better prepared for what was about to happen to her. Living in Birmingham, Blacks at this time had a decent idea of how White people would react. Perhaps if Colvin would have behaved like Parks her name would be better known than Parks because of her age, however as you state she was just a child, and histroy proves children can only do so much in certain events.

  • Posted By: trumpetman @ 03/24/2009 8:16:33 PM

    I was kneeling on the grass picking dandelions that summer day in WWII when I hear the familiar sound of "stump-stump-stump" echoing down the sidwalk. I knew the sound made by the man; a large Black man with a "pirates peg-leg". Each morning and evening he would repeat his one-legged jargon-song as made his way to the bus stop. That afternoon I looked up into his large, round, sweaty face as he clumped by. I didn't know why. Small children many times react instinctively. I suppose it was out of curiosity that I braved my quizzical gaze. As I looked up at his giantine mass I confronted a glowing, beautiful smile as our eyes met. Instanly I sensed his kindness and warmth. This was the first time of many that followed that this White child in a Northern industrial city would be befriended by a Black Ameican. Prejudice and racism, words I never heard about in my childhood, were abundant in our city. The realization came to me many years later that it was best for my giant friend not to speak to this little white boy lest a neighbor see it and cause trouble. Oh, I had Black school friends. Primarily T.J. and Pumkin. I never knew their real names. They were great buddies to us all: smiling all the time, playing jokes on everyone, fast at play, never upset nor quarrelsome. Great pals they were. Children don't care about skin color. They have to be taught how to hate. I loved these guys and I loved the wonderful smile that my giant blackman, now my friend, gave to me. I asked about his name and his leg,(lost in a trainyard accident). His name was Dave, the same as mine! Well, that created a special bond between us. After these 64 years have passed I still recall Dave's great gift he left me. I won't forget. Thank you Dave.

  • Posted By: AnnDee3349 @ 03/24/2009 6:04:16 AM

    I lived in Mississippi in the 1960's. I saw the separate lines for blacks and whites. I was color-blind. I didn't understand. My grandmother told me that was just the way it was. We lived next to projects. As a child, I had black friends and they were very sweet and kind to me when the white rich children were not. When I was caught playing Ouija Board with my black friends, my father beat me with a leather-strap belt and told me to never go back there again.
    I used to pass by them on the way to school and they would ask why I didn't come down anymore and I told them because my father beat me for playing with them and I did not know why. I told them I missed them and I was sorry. We were all so sad. Looking back now, it was horrible. We were so happy and innocent and none of us ever saw
    color. I still miss them today.

  • Posted By: Janedoe66 @ 03/11/2009 5:40:18 PM

    Businesses don't typically take the moral road, Rjones, even if they should. The bottom line in business is making the owners money. Morality is nowhere on the balance sheet.

    It wasn't just Rosa Parks who moved civil rights forward, it was every man or woman who refused to give up his or her seat. Every one of them made a difference no matter how tiny just as we all do with the choices we make. There are many in this world who deserve recognition they will never get: Indians who didn't give up their land, Blacks who didn't give up their seat, Jews who didn't go quietly. They all made choices that had an impact on our future. It's our responsibility to take what they started and make it a better future for everyone. We can start by teaching our children that everyone can make a difference just by treating our fellow humans the way we want them to treat us. It's never too late for the Golden Rule.

  • Posted By: rjones @ 03/03/2009 8:18:14 AM

    When you look back, White America, and specifically the Montgomery Bus Company did not change it's racial policies for moral reasons - meaning it was the right thing to do. The only reason things changed in the South were for financial reasons they were hurt in the pocketbook.
    And that's what'struely pathetic.

    • Posted By: mmace63 @ 03/03/2009 1:12:05 PM

      And yes, that is the sad part. Certain people among us like to think they are above reproach and take the high road, and yet this was only an economic policy. Some whites (not all) like to use the expression that blacks should 'get over it' -- yet do you think people automatically stopped being prejudiced and racist when the laws went into effect just 40 years ago?? Please. All those racist people aren't dead and neither are their children. Laws don't change people's hearts. It is still going to take a good while before racism dies in this country, if ever.

      • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 7:39:49 PM

        Thank you mmace63. You cannot legislate hearts. Only God has the power to read our hearts and help us, if we pray for help. If we work in harmony with our prayers. It isn't a case of oh well... We have a Black President, so now everything is ok... Racisim is Intitutionalized in this country... It will never die, as long as Man is in control... It is a powerful force for Division and hatred...

    • Posted By: mmace63 @ 03/03/2009 1:10:47 PM

      And yes, that is the sad part. Certain people among us like to think they are above reproach and take the high road, and yet this was only an economic policy. Some whites (not all) like to use the expression that blacks should 'get over it' -- yet do you think people automatically stopped being prejudiced and racist when the laws went into effect just 40 years ago?? Please. All those racist people aren't dead and neither are their children. Laws don't change people's hearts. It is still going to take a good while before racism dies in this country, if ever.

  • Posted By: Eves Place @ 03/03/2009 3:50:12 PM

    Iconoblaster, your comment is interesting and contradictory. You claim that we shouldn't hold you responsible because you (and others like you) are not responsible for the actions of your ancestors. Hmmm, didn't you just do the same thing by assuming that all African Americans are expecting reparations? Most in our community disagree and understand this solution is pointless and stupid. By the way, purported past victimization? There is nothing purported about our past OR our victimization - the history speaks loudly and VERY clearly. Get over yourself - no one is breaking down your door and demanding nothing from you; not even fairness and reasonableness - which you seem quite incapable of.

    • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 7:35:17 PM

      Eves, you are so right. I will look for your SN. I enjoy your intelligence and there are other's here, who are Prima Forces in life. Much is to be learned from reading the positive comments here...

  • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/02/2009 11:17:07 PM

    Ms Colvin wasn't light skinned enough... Blacks have a thing about hues.

    • Posted By: proud2Bme @ 03/03/2009 4:35:46 AM

      I totally disagree with your implications... we don't have a thing with hues, I am pretty sure if anything, it was a age thing over a complextion thing. I am dark skinned and love every minute yet i have sibblings who are of a much lighter complexion and their confidence is not at all more superior than my own... i take pride in my race regardless of the hue of our skin, i think the diversity is what makes us such a beautiful and unique race and I take pride in all the steps that were taken to get us to where we are now, regardless of how big or small or what was reported and glorified and what wasn't. I feel us as Americans have been degraded and cheated out of a lot over the years and instead of using it as a crutch we are starting to use it as a stepping stone. And to individuals like you, I would say wait until you wake up and notice that beautiful wall of all shades that you will be facing and be forced to take heed....

      • Posted By: riley75 @ 03/03/2009 9:15:32 AM

        No actually in the south and still holds true today the shade of skin is a factor. Growing up in Montgomery my grandparents have always told us the story of Claudette Colvin and how the Civil Rights leader had picked Rosa Parks because of her fairer skin and her older age because they thought she could be taken more seriously. Look at actors in Hollywood in the 50's and 60's. They were more accepted because of their skin. That's the reality.

        • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 7:29:40 PM

          Thank you Riley. I also would like to thank you for speaking up... Hey reinadelaz, i hear you. My co-worker, once told me how beautiful my oldest Granddaughter was... She said: Oh she has such beautiful skin... This GD, is very Light complexsion... She is beautiful, but the woman was talking about her skin, [smiling widely here] :)

        • Posted By: Tam42 @ 03/03/2009 10:06:21 AM

          Amen to that! You truly said a mouthful!

      • Posted By: reinadelaz @ 03/03/2009 8:00:31 PM

        At least in the South, your family is the exception, not the rule. There are still millions of dollars a year in skin-lightener sales. Darker siblings get treated worse than lighter ones by their own families! Congratulations to you for not having to endure such. Do not presume that others do not. When my biracial daighter was born, the black nurses on the hospital staff spent two days ooing and awing about what a pretty little redbone she would be. If that ain't hue, I don't know what it is!

        • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 7:27:08 PM

          Thank you reinadelaz. The dirty little secret is: Light skin was the reason Ms Colvin, didn't get the respect Ms Parks did. That is still true, in the Black Race...Even in some families. I speak from experience... My Grandmother on my Mother's side was French/Chicksaw... My Grandmother on my Father's side was Black. Guess who had the beautiful life and all that goes with it? My Father's mother was very well Educated and smart. A businesswoman and at one time a Nurse. Both shared their history with me, as I was a child who loved her family. Years, later, it is still the same, somewhat... Those in the extended family, who are very light complexsion, were treated differently, than those who were Darker... I am thankful, both Grandmother's were kind and loving. My Grandfather on my Mother's side was very Dark and very mean to those who were not very light like his Wife, my Grandmother. He made a clear distinction. In fact my Grandmother would speak up for the Grandchildren, who were treated differently, by him. When he died, I didn't cry, I didn't have that kind of relationship with him. Some of my Lighter cousins, did cry and she even asked me, why I wasn't crying??? Oh BTW, neither Grandmother, liked White people. They never talked about that part. It was rather odd, to me, since the one Grandmother could pass... Proud2Bme, I am happy for you. I also, have High Self Esteem, you see, my father and mother were very supportive of their children. I love my Ebony hue and love my life. I have cousins, who are not as secure as I am. Shade doesn't give one security. Shade doesn't post inside confidence. I never view myself as a victim. My children were taught to be self sufficiant and they are not in denial. You seem to be in denial. Just because your family isn't having a bad reaction to color, doesn't mean, it doesn't exist. It does... I don't love my light skinned Grandchild, anymore, than I love my Ebony one... You are speaking from your experience and so am I. Don't try to scold me. I am old enough to be your mother... I already took notice of the beautiful hues and I l oved my Black Grandmother as much as I loved my White one...

  • Posted By: 2daryl10 @ 03/03/2009 12:09:56 PM

    move on!!!!!! I am so tired of seeing these types of storys Why continue to bring up the past? Please move on!

    • Posted By: dlh06 @ 03/04/2009 3:09:40 AM

      You can run from your history. Not talking about it doesn't mean it didn't happen. You remind me of a two year old trying to hide from somebody by standing in the middle of the room and closing his eyes.

      • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 5:18:56 PM

        Good points dlh06...

      • Posted By: dlh06 @ 03/04/2009 3:16:51 AM

        That should read you can"t run from your history.

  • Posted By: conservativetex @ 03/03/2009 2:11:04 PM

    Does everything in the news, on TV, the TV programs, the TV commercialls have to be about Blacks now. I am sick of it.
    There as still a few of us whites left in this country. I think we have had a black day, black week, and black month already this year, o maybe it is just going to be, as I expect from what the president is doing, a black year, or make that four years.

    • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 5:17:20 PM

      conservativetex, you must be the most stupid person, on this board... White people dominate everything, going and coming. Don't look if it offends your Redneck. I see White people on all of the TV programs, in the media, everywhere. I am not offended. They can be anywhere they want to be. The same holds true for non-White people. Are you some kind of really weird person? Shut up and sit down and relax... Your supidity is showing... .

    • Posted By: dlh06 @ 03/05/2009 9:16:38 AM

      And guess what? This month is Womens History month. So I guess unless you're a woman you have to "suffer" for
      another month of it not being all about you. :-)

    • Posted By: amodio54 @ 03/04/2009 12:02:30 PM

      You are a assinine and a thoughless person to make such a statement about American citizens. The mere fact that your intolerance of others attitude is projected in just a minority is enough to make me happy. You're a dinosaur and I dub thee Dino. I'm sorry in the past it was all about you and now you feel impotent the 3 K's await you to make you feel bette..

    • Posted By: amodio54 @ 03/04/2009 12:01:13 PM

      You are a assinine and a thoughless person to make such a statement about American citizens. The mere fact that your intolerance of others attitude is projected in just a minority is enough to make me happy. You're a dinosaur and I dub thee Dino. I'm sorry in the past it was all about you and now you feel impotent the 3 K's await you to make you feel bette..

    • Posted By: mickcastillo @ 03/03/2009 3:12:13 PM

      Conservativetex, in the immortal words of Tommy to Coal.."You're stupid!" You are trying to set yourself up as a victim! It may have worked in the past..but no longer!

    • Posted By: scwright2004 @ 03/03/2009 2:33:40 PM

      What you expect is for the president to work for all people not just black people. Yeah, we proud we have a black president, but we don't expect MIRACLES either. The last president who is WHITE, screwed up this country so bad that ALL people are suffering. People losing their jobs, homes, etc. We not jumping on the tables and doing a dance! We just want what's best for ourselves, and everyone in the country. Please spare me and every other BLACK person the agony of hearing, or reading why there's so many BLACK this and BLACK that! It's going to take Obama and whoever goes in the White House after him to correct BUSH mess!

      • Posted By: Phenomenally Me @ 03/03/2009 3:05:07 PM

        I guess you didnt get it when American voted! Both black and whites. i am thiinking you would feel better about the tv programs and tv commeicals and articles being more about white people. WHat you have to think about is the President of the United States is both white and black! Your starting to see a shift toward a fair America that includes us black folks. Your starting to see an attempt a balance . I am not going to make any apologies or excuses for it. Why should we.. We are black and we deserve to be heard just as much as you do. I wish folk would just realize we are all equal no matter the skin color, its about our human race!

  • Posted By: Eves Place @ 03/03/2009 2:59:45 PM

    I can't believe some of the comments I'm reading here - it's truly unbelievable. Conservativetex, do you really think there is nothing but black commercials, black week, black month, black year, etc? Do you really believe that only blacks participated in the Civil Rights Movement, or voted for Obama? I mean really, how ignorant can one person be? I remember there was a moment I tried to change minds like yours, but I no longer want to waste my time. Instead I want to honor those (black, white, purple, whatever) that sacrificed so much to make sure this country really IS the land of the free and home of the brave.

    • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 5:07:17 PM

      Bravo Eves Place. Your comments are truly, excellent... I salute you and those who speak as you do...

  • Posted By: writeordiechick @ 03/05/2009 1:37:49 PM

    Anyone who has actually researched and studied (black) history (and not just read the primers given out in February) would already know that PLENTY of other people (including women) refused to give up their seats on segregated buses- it's called a "tactic" people- look it up. Rosa Parks got the fame because she had the right pedigree. Allow yourself to be spoon-fed and you will ingest anything.

  • Posted By: rtbso @ 03/05/2009 7:18:21 PM

    It's disgusting how the media continues to fuel the race issue.

    The sentiment of disgust is growing in this country - the whining "blacks don't have enough" stuff is grating on people's nerves and is pushing people to their limits of tolerance. There is simply NO logical reason to discuss race anymore. None, not one single solitary logical reason.

  • Posted By: janeyre @ 03/07/2009 4:52:43 PM

    Ms Colvin, was not given the proper treatment by Black, because she was not Light Skinned enough. It is a fact... Nothing new here...

  • Posted By: nancy.summers @ 03/03/2009 11:01:36 AM

    Can we please get past this?

    • Posted By: ksbondgirl @ 03/03/2009 11:20:37 AM

      When a young black man returns a pair of shoes because he got another identical pair for a lesser price but the reason on his return recieipt was printed out with "Dumb N*****" (the n-word), how can we forget if whites won't? He did nothing wrong othern than looking out for his money--anyone could do the same and it has nothing to do with color--or, does it?

      • Posted By: Iconoblaster @ 03/03/2009 1:54:20 PM

        Its as wrong to hold "all whites" responsible for the conduct of one bigot as it is to pretend that bigot didn't exist. SURE there are still bigots, but the loudest voices promoting discrimination today are often those trying to trade on their own (or others') purported past victimization for current advantage. This is bound to be resented by people (like me) who had no hand in that past victimization, and so see no justice in being compelled to suffer current disadvantage to compensate someone else for it. That includes being pilloried unfairly as "members of the ruling class" ... because of race... by people who are better off financially than those they are criticizing.

        • Posted By: addygirl @ 03/05/2009 5:37:42 PM

          Like it or not, race can and will follow you everwhere you go, even a white person. Blacks, to this day have to deal with the fact that most white people are going to stereotype them in some way shape or form(to deny this as a white person, even the most no-racist is a lie) And whites in turn will have to deal with the fact that at one time the white "Fathers of our Country" even helped to continue our "peculiar institution" So get over it (especially white people) We're all guilty of carrying stereotypes around.....all we can do is try to work towards something better. Most people aren't born racist, the environment you grow up in helps perpetrate it, so make a difference, and teach your kids to have tolerence, all we can change is the future, not the past. I for one think that Obama will help move us forward. I am proud that I voted for the 1st Black president (the best candidate anyhow) and I love the fact that he's white too......Tolerence is key people....pass it on a quit complaining!

        • Posted By: Phenomenally Me @ 03/03/2009 2:56:34 PM

          As a African American I dont hold whites accountable for the tragedy of my black ancestors. I do hold the white government officals and police accountable! Now if your looking for us to just accept it and move on then let me assure you that will never happen. I think what you need to do is pick up a history book and read about the bigots and animals that are your ancestors! You should try to understand what my ancestors went through before playing a victim- really!

    • Posted By: dlh06 @ 03/04/2009 2:58:26 AM

      Why doesn't anybody ever tell the Jewish people to "get over it" or "move on" when people talk about the holocaust.
      Why is this sentiment only directed towards Black Americans?

      We Americans are known around the world for having notoriously short and selective memories. Comments like yours don't help put that view to rest.

    • Posted By: chica2481 @ 03/03/2009 11:06:18 AM

      You want us to get past our history of a time in our country when others were not treated fairly and with respect. If we forget our history we are doomed to repeat it!!!

  • Posted By: techresmgt @ 03/04/2009 5:52:19 AM

    Um, Black history month was LAST month. Get a clue.

    • Posted By: dlh06 @ 03/05/2009 9:02:58 AM

      So what's your point?
      it's not just BLACK history it's AMERICAN history. Accept it. You can't pick and chose which parts of history you want to acknowledge. It doesn't work that way. And guess what this month is womens history month.

  • Posted By: joyfultoo @ 03/05/2009 12:00:00 AM

    Get over it?? It's a piece of our history and when I say 'our', I'm not just just talking about African - Americans. Some of the previous posters need to reach for a bit of maturity.

  • Posted By: vawater @ 03/04/2009 3:26:24 PM

    The reason that there was no boycott for Ms. Colvin was that she had reputation as, shall we say, as not being a model citizen. To be honest, she was a troublemaker at her all black school, so the leaders like weren't exactly sold on her. She was not the type of person that could a poster child for a cause. And any support for her completely vanished when she became pregnant. Back then, being a unmarried teenager was not something to be celebrated, by either the black or white communities, unlike today anything goes standards. Of course, a good reporter would have found this out.

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