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

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.

If you want to be respected for your actions, then your behavior must be above reproach. If our lives demonstrate that we are peaceful, humble, and trusted, this is recognized by others.

I had felt for a long time, that if I was ever told to get up so a white person could sit, that I would refuse to do so.

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

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