The Life of Claudette Colvin

This girl is named Claudette Colvin. She was 13 years old in this picture. When she was 15, she was arrested. She lived in Montgomery, Alabama. She took the bus home after school. It was March 2, 1955. She was African American. The bus had separate sections for whites and African Americans. The section for white passengers was full. A white woman needed a seat. The bus driver told Colvin to move. February was Black History Month. Colvin remembered her lessons. She did not move.  

Photo Credit: Archive PL/Alamy Stock Photo

This is Rosa Parks. She lived in Montgomery, too. She heard about Claudette Colvin. She made a plan. She refused to give up her bus seat. She was arrested, too. Many people knew Rosa Parks. They were upset. People protested. People stopped riding Montgomery buses.  

Photo Credit: Archive PL/Alamy Stock Photo

The next year, Claudette Colvin went to court. She was part of a case against the mayor of Montgomery. She spoke in front of a judge. She was a star witness. She won her case. The laws about buses changed. 

Claudette Colvin led a long life. She passed away this year. She died on January 13, 2026. She was 86 years old. It is Black History Month in February. Now, children learn lessons about Claudette Colvin. 

What Do You Think? Claudette Colvin was inspired by Black History Month. What things from history inspire you?  

Photo Credit: Dudley M. Brooks/The The Washington Post via Getty Images