Racial pride and self-dignity were emphasized in my family and community.

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

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

There is no future without education.

I will no longer act on the outside in a way that contradicts the truth that I hold deeply inside. I will no longer act as if I were less than the whole person I know myself inwardly to be.

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

I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.