Leading up to Rosa’s refusal to give up her seat, the laws and societal mindset was that one’s colour determines one’s treatment.
A twelve-year member and a secretary of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (“NAACP”), Rosa likely heard and saw painful things – things she could relate to.
Something inside Rosa began to awaken in those meetings. A female warrior was born. Rosa chose a different approach towards change. Likely because words were not enough. Words were persuasive, brought people together and made them feel good for a moment, but real change was in actions.
This strategy addressed the needs for jobs, loans, housing, schooling and more.
At the time, people of colour did not get loans from banks, certain jobs from employers, housing in certain areas, resources or funding for schools, proper education, protection from police, justice in courts, inclusion in social circles, and more. Imagine living outside of these things.
Rosa was fighting to change this. Her actions transcends borders. She was fighting for us everywhere. Through a strategy of many small steps, change was made.
Not all heroes wear capes. For me, she is a seamstress who was arrested, lost her job and was convicted. Her path was not an easy one but through the passage of time it came with some rewards. Through her lived experiences, she knew within her what was right. My actions may not be identical to hers but Rosa inspires me.
Rosa Lives in You
We are more similar than not. We have the ability to spark change. In your own way, take small steps towards this. Through these steps, you will meet remarkable people who will change the trajectory of your life.
When you are able, join a local indigenous drumming circle, attend a different culture’s event, volunteer at a soup kitchen, give your unwanted gently used clothes to a clothing bank, buy an unhoused person a meal, help a struggling elderly across the street, help those who don’t have your same abilities. And do it from a good place in your heart. There are so many ways to discover our similarities. There are so many ways to be kind. I believe equal treatment begins here. If your actions are unseen, I like to think that it comes back to you in other ways.
[Post Credits: research gathered from A Mighty Girl and NAACP online sources. As I continue to learn, my research corrects statements from previous posts and expands upon them.]