Overcoming paralysis
More than 50 years ago, a black woman in Montgomery, Alabama refused to give up her seat on a bus. She was subsequently arrested.
I’m not referring to Rosa Parks. I’m referring to Claudette Colvin.
What? You say you’ve never heard of Claudette Colvin?
Neither had I. And even though she, like Mrs. Parks, refused to give up her seat – not because she wanted to change the world, but because she was tired of submitting to it as it was – she was “deemed unsuitable” to act as plaintiff in challenging segregation laws, as were several other individual protesters who were arrested prior to Mrs. Parks.
Ms. Colvin acted on her own behalf, as did Mrs. Parks. As did all of the other individual protesters who refused to comply with segregation laws. The NAACP litigated on their behalf, but they were careful to choose a plaintiff who would give them the greatest chance of success.
Ms. Colvin’s arrest preceded Mrs. Parks’ arrest by nine months. Even before Ms. Colvin’s arrest, other protesters had been arrested and “deemed unsuitable” as plaintiffs by the NAACP.
Was it appropriate for the NAACP to wait until they found the “right” plaintiff?
Even with an advocate – a powerful advocate such as the NAACP – on their side, these protesters continued to act of their own accord. We all should do the same. Ms. Colvin wasn’t able to count on the NAACP to come to her aid; we shouldn’t rely upon organizations to fight our individual battles either.
Do what you believe is right for you. Teach your children to have the confidence to do the same. If you want something, go out there and get it. If you come across obstacles, do what’s necessary to overcome them. But don’t paralyze yourself before you even start because of who and what might (or might not) get in your way.
October 3rd, 2006 at 9:38 pm
I studied African American history my freshman year of college and I’ve never heard of Claudette Colvin. I thought that I was pretty well versed in the history of my culture. Apparently not. I would really like to know who the NAACP considered to be unfit & why? That being said I don’t think that the NAACP was entirely justified in their actions. Perhaps they were looking for someone whom they felt was well spoken or more educated. Perhaps it was because she was a minor. I don’t know. I will however do some more research on Claudette Colvin. Thank you for the info!
October 3rd, 2006 at 10:06 pm
Wow, I have never heard that. I totally agree with acting on your own accord and teaching your children the same. Sometimes you just won’t have an advocate lined up with you but you still got to do the right thing. My father did this recently for his own sake (I’m so proud of him) and it turns out that he had a very positive effect for others, but that’s not why he did it. He made the decisions on his own behalf, the rest is just gravy.
I really enjoy your sensibilities.
October 4th, 2006 at 7:52 am
In the piece, I only linked the Wikipedia entry on Ms. Colvin. Below are some additional links:
http://www.montgomeryboycott.com/bio_colvin.htm
http://www.montgomeryboycott.com/profile_colvin.htm – 2005 interview
http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/about_king/encyclopedia/colvin_claudette.htm
October 4th, 2006 at 8:25 am
Amen to that! That’s very interesting in deed!
October 4th, 2006 at 10:32 am
Why oh why is basic resepect such a difficult concept for people? Treat all people well… don’t pigeonhole (sp?) or victimize yourself or others… get on with it. Not every action has to be major…do what you know is right.
October 4th, 2006 at 10:33 am
oops… the spelling! Aretha would be shamed… RESPECT. See, I kan spel reel gud.