Tired of Giving In
Reflecting back on December 1st, 1955, and knowing the consequences of my actions, I
would not change one solitary moment of that day. You see, I made a choice that changed
history forever. I am Rosa Parks, and just like you, I want to live in a world where freedom is
for everyone, not just a select population!
My day started out like any other. My feeble hands worked in unison, as they created and
mended garments for those unlike myself - wealthy. In the distance, I could hear the
continuous ticking of the clock. It finally called my name and whispered that my day had
come to an end.
Waiting for my ride home, I wondered who would be driving the bus on that frigid,
December evening. It was hard to ignore the screeching of the wheels as the bus finally
arrived. To my dismay, Mr. James Blake was sitting at the helm, staring at me with his "Don't
you dare step out of line today," look.
My eyes widened as I spotted a vacant seat in the front row of the middle section of the
bus. As soon as my body touched the back of the seat, I felt pure dignity! That feeling however,
did not last long, as Mr. Black demanded that myself and three other African Americans leave
our seat to let the white people on the bus sit down.
You see my friends, black people in the 1950s were only allowed to sit at the back of the
bus, even if other seats were available. That day, I was just plain tired, "tired of giving in." I took
a stand and refused to give up my seat, not only for myself, but for the rights all African
Americans. That one choice I made changed the past forever. If you don't believe me, simply
check the history books.
What characteristics did Rosa Parks display when she refused to give up her seat?