An activist in the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, whom the United States Congress called "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement", is known as the woman who, in December 1955, refused to give up her seat to a white man. She was arrested, and this arrest triggered the Montgomery bus boycott and ignited the American civil rights movement. The impact of her act of defiance was far-reaching, and encouraged others to stand up with her. Years after her death, her legacy and determination towards equality continues to inspire people everywhere, including her encouraging words.

1.  “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.”