Rosa Parks

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

The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.

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

Our mistreatment was just not right, and I was tired of it.

My only concern was to get home after a hard day's work.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

It was not pre-arranged. It just happened that the driver made and demand and I just didn't feel like obeying his demand . . . I was quite tired after spending a full day working.

I have always been a timid person but my life has required me to be courageous.

I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear.