Claudette Colvin's Impact on Civil Rights

Claudette Colvin, an important yet lesser-known figure in U.S. civil rights history, was arrested at 15 for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white woman in segregated Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks. Her act of defiance led to a landmark court case that ended bus segregation in Alabama. Despite her significant contribution, Colvin's story was overshadowed by Parks due to societal biases. Recently, her criminal record was expunged, acknowledging the injustice she faced. Colvin's legacy is now being recognized as a pivotal part of the civil rights movement.

Who is Claudette Colvin and why is she significant in U.S. history?

• A famous singer from the 1960s

• The first African-American woman to fly a plane

• A well-known author of children's books

• A civil rights activist who refused to give up her bus seat

What was Claudette Colvin's reason for refusing to give up her seat on the bus?

• She was tired and wanted to rest

• She felt inspired by historical figures like Harriet Tubman

• She was reading a book and didn't want to move

• She was waiting for a friend to join her

What charges were brought against Claudette Colvin after her arrest?

• Disturbing the peace and assaulting police officers

• Theft and vandalism

• Speeding and reckless driving

• Trespassing and loitering

What was the outcome of the Browder v. Gayle case?

• It established voting rights for African-Americans

• It resulted in the desegregation of buses in Alabama

• It ended segregation in restaurants

• It led to the desegregation of schools

What recent legal action was taken regarding Claudette Colvin's criminal record?

• She was granted a presidential pardon

• Her case was reopened for further investigation

• She was given a posthumous award

• Her record was expunged

Why did Claudette Colvin want her criminal record cleared?

• To apply for a new job

• To ensure her legacy was not tarnished

• To travel abroad without restrictions

• To run for public office

Why was Rosa Parks more widely recognized than Claudette Colvin?

• Colvin moved out of the country shortly after the incident

• Parks had a lighter skin tone, which was seen as more acceptable

• Colvin was not interested in public recognition

• Parks was older and more established in the community

What role did Claudette Colvin play in the civil rights movement?

• She was a key figure in the Montgomery Bus Boycott

• She led the March on Washington

• She was a plaintiff in the case that ended bus segregation

• She organized sit-ins at segregated lunch counters

How did Claudette Colvin view her own contributions to history?

• As a significant but underrecognized contribution

• As the most important part of the civil rights movement

• As a minor role compared to others

• As irrelevant to the overall movement

What impact did Claudette Colvin's actions have on future generations?

• They inspired new laws against segregation

• They discouraged others from protesting

• They were largely forgotten and had no impact

• They led to her becoming a famous politician