23 Rosa Parks Quotes to Teach You How to Stand Your Ground
Rosa Parks is widely known as the African American activist in the Civil Rights Movement who, by refusing to give up her seat in a public bus to a white passenger, became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. The following Rosa Parks quotes are proof of her commitment to the cause.
Parks was not the first one to be arrested for civil disobedience, but she continued to fight the battle and became "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement”.
She never had an easy life, but after her rise to fame things turned out to be even more challenging. Both Rosa and her husband were fired after her arrest and were forced to leave Montgomery. In those times, it was hard for an activists to find steady work. But even if she was financially struggling and knew the amount of work she had to undertake to achieve racial equality, Parks never lost her faith and enthusiasm.
During the Movement she collaborated with civil rights leaders like E.D. Nixon and Martin Luther King Jr. Even after her retirement, Parks continued to say that the fight for justice is far from over and that there is so much more that can be done. And right she was!
Coming from a determined woman with a strong sense of justice, here are 23 Rosa Parks quotes to teach you how to stand your ground and never give up on what’s right.
I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.
Each person must live their life as a model for others.
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?
You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.
The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.
Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.
I had given up my seat before, but this day, I was especially tired. Tired from my work as a seamstress, and tired from the ache in my heart.
There is just so much hurt, disappointment, and oppression one can take... The line between reason and madness grows thinner.
I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free... so other people would be also free.
Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.
God has always given me the strength to say what is right.
As far back as I can remember, I knew there was something wrong with our way of life when people could be mistreated because of the color of their skin.
Time begins the healing process of wounds cut deeply by oppression. We soothe ourselves with the salve of attempted indifference.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.