Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

I remember learning about Rosa Parks in school and she often comes up in my class discussions when we read stories about prominent African American people who have made an impact on human rights or the Civil Rights Movement. However, I've never heard of Claudette until I read this book. I was totally unaware that there was someone who stood up for what she believed in and for what was right, even before Rosa did. It's a shame that she was shunned by the community, her friends, and mostly everyone for doing what was right for everyone. I think this story will be an inspiration to young people because it shows them that they can stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in the world. Claudette paved the way for Rosa. If she wouldn't have taken that first step, the world might not be the same. She changed American history, which is quite a feat for a 15 year old girl. I believe that she would've had more credibility and more accolades if she hadn't gotten pregnant as a teenager. Unfortunately, in the 1950s and 60s, people weren't as forgiving of teen pregnancy. She sacrificed so much so that everyone could be treated equally. It would've been much easier to just sit back and let things remain the same as always, but like she said, she's felt this way since she was little (ever since she was old enough to understand all the injustices toward African American people). Many young people today feel like no one will listen to them. They also don't want to be singled out and be any different than anyone else. That's why what Claudette did was so brave. She had so much to lose, and did lose almost all of it. She was not able to work, she was an unwed teenage mother, she lost her right to an education, and she didn't even get any credit for what she did. However, she was willing to give it all up for what she believed in. She stood up for herself and what she thought was right, and we are all benefiting from what she did. I would hope that young people today could read a story like this and be brave enough to make changes themselves for the good of the world.