Rosa Parks: 9 of Her Most Inspiring Quotes

We honor Rosa Parks’ memory with nine of her inspiring quotes.

Civil rights icon Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. On December 1, 1955, she became what many described as “the mother of the civil rights movement,” when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus. Her courageous action and resistance inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a seminal event for the cause of freedom.

Parks remained a civil rights activist for the rest of her life. We honor her memory by sharing her inspiring words.

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.

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“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.” —Rosa Parks


Each person must live their life as a model for others.—Rosa Parks

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“Each person must live their life as a model for others.” —Rosa Parks

I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free...so other people would also be free.—Rosa Parks

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“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free…so other people would also be free.” —Rosa Parks


People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically... No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.—Rosa Parks

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“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically… No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” —Rosa Parks


Memories of our lives, of our works and deeds will continue in others.—Rosa Parks

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“Memories of our lives, of our works and deeds will continue in others.” —Rosa Parks


The only way for prejudiced people to change is for them to decide for themselves that all human beings should be treated fairly. We can't force them to think that way.—Rosa Parks

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“The only way for prejudiced people to change is for them to decide for themselves that all human beings should be treated fairly. We can’t force them to think that way.” —Rosa Parks


Whatever my individual desires were to be free, I was not alone. There were many others who felt the same way.—Rosa Parks

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“Whatever my individual desires were to be free, I was not alone. There were many others who felt the same way.” —Rosa Parks

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.—Rosa Parks

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“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.” —Rosa Parks


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.—Rosa Parks

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“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.” —Rosa Parks

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