15 Inspiring Quotes from Rosa Parks

By Jennifer M Wood |
USIA / National Archives and Records Administration Records of the U.S. Information Agency Record Group 306, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
USIA / National Archives and Records Administration Records of the U.S. Information Agency Record Group 306, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons / USIA / National Archives and Records Administration Records of the U.S. Information Agency Record Group 306, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Rosa Parks didn’t set out to become “the first lady of civil rights.” But when she defied Alabama law by refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger on December 1, 1955—and was arrested as a result of it—the impact of her act of defiance was far-reaching, and encouraged others to stand up with her.

On what would have been her 105th birthday, here are 15 inspiring quotes from Rosa Parks.

1. ON STANDING UP FOR ONESELF

“Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”

2. AND 3. ON FEAR

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

“I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

4., 5. AND 6. ON FREEDOM

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free ... so other people would be also free.”

“Whatever my individual desires were to be free, I was not alone. There were many others who felt the same way.”

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

7. ON REASON AND MADNESS

“There is just so much hurt, disappointment, and oppression one can take... The line between reason and madness grows thinner.”

8., 9. AND 10. ON LEGACY

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

“Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.”

“I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.”

11. AND 12. ON RACISM

“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.”

“As far back as I can remember, I knew there was something wrong with our way of life when people could be mistreated because of the color of their skin.”

13. AND 14. ON THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT

“People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically ... No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

“I was a person with dignity and self-respect, and I should not set my sights lower than anybody else just because I was black.”

15. ON PAIN

“Have you ever been hurt and the place tries to heal a bit, and you just pull the scar off of it over and over again.”

Home / HISTORY