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October 25, 2005
She Stood Tall
One of history's great ironies is that Rosa Parks made her stand by refusing to stand. On a Montgomery bus in 1955, Ms. Parks changed America. And so it was that when she left the world today, it was a better place than when she entered it. Her death today at 92 is a reminder of many things: how far we've come, how far we have to go, how much of a difference any one of us can make, and how inspiration can come from any source.
I've heard, in the past, people bring up the fact that Ms. Parks was not the first black person arrested for the "crime" of not giving up a seat on a Montgomery bus... and remark with some cynicism that those that came before her weren't of the "right" character to make into a symbol of dignity in the face of inequality and prejudice. They say this almost dismissively, as if these things diminished her contribution somehow.
This always struck me as flat out stupid. So she was not the first, and she did work with the local NAACP long before she was arrested? Does not being first make being arrested in an act of civil disobedience any less courageous? If those who may have been looking for an opportunity to challenge the bus rules were indeed looking for a more "acceptable" public example, does that in some inexplicable way make the cause they -- and she -- stood for any less noble? If she was "selected" for her character, should she be somehow be punished for being not only an upstanding soul, but was recognized as having the kind of dignity and character to stand up to all that she would go through? (Especially in the 1950s south, when being the public face of resistance might well have presented a threat to her well-being or even her life?)
She need not have been first, nor need anyone apologize for the contacts she had in the activist community. Her act of bravery, defiance and strength may not have been a singular one, but that doesn't make it any less brave, defiant or strong. Rosa Parks was a giant among us, a woman of extraordinary grace and courage whose life came to symbolize dignity and the will to stand for what is right. Her loss saddens us all, but her life made us all better people.
We should all be so lucky to have that as an epitaph. Goodbye, Ms. Parks... and thank you.
Comments
I hoped you would do a tribute, excellent post.
A once living legend, Rosa will continue to live on forvever in the history books as less a person, and more a symbol of what people were and have become.
Hats off one last time for Rosa.
Posted by: Cuzin Jose at October 26, 2005 07:19 AM
