Explore Quotes by Rosa Parks

I thought of Emmett Till, and when the bus driver ordered me to move to the back, I just couldn’t move.

As long as there is unemployment, war, crime and all things that go to the infliction of man's inhumanity to man, regardless - there is much to be done, and people need to work together.

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

I am leaving this legacy to all of you...to bring peace, justice, equality, love and a fulfillment of what our lives should be. Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die - the dream of freedom and peace.

If I stayed angry at other people, I would miss finding friends among those I was angry with.

All I was trying to do was get home from work.

I knew someone had to take the first step. So I made up my mind not to move.

I do the very best I can to look upon life with optimism and hope and looking forward to a better day, but I don't think there is anything such as complete happiness. It pains me that there is still a lot of Klan activity and racism. I think when you say you're happy, you have everything that you need and everything that you want, and nothing more to wish for. I haven't reached that stage yet.

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

I had given up my seat before, but this day, I was especially tired. Tired from my work as a seamstress, and tired from the ache in my heart.

Arrest me for sitting on a bus? You may do that.

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.

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