[Women’s History Month\Claudette Colvin]
Claudette Colvin was one of four plaintiffs, namely Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald and Mary Louise Smith, who filed a lawsuit against segregated bus seating…The case was successful, thus impacting public transportation throughout the country.
Photo: YouTube
Today, the Bronx will be naming a street in honor of Civil Rights heroine, and living legend, Claudette Colvin to celebrate her contributions to human rights and social justice.
At the age of 15, Claudette Colvin was arrested on March 2, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama — nine months before Rosa Parks. Colvin, now 80 years old, has lived in the Bronx for more than 50 years and now lives in Alabama.
Colvin is one of two survivors of the Browder vs. Gayle U.S. Supreme Court Case and is known for her significant role in desegregating buses in Montgomery, Alabama in 1956. Claudette Colvin was one of four plaintiffs, namely Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald and Mary Louise Smith, who filed a lawsuit against segregated bus seating. The presiding attorney was Fred D. Gray. The case was successful, thus impacting public transportation throughout the country including trains, airplanes, and taxis.
Today’s street unveiling ceremony starts at 3:30 p.m. and will take place at the corner of East Tremont and Unionport in the Bronx. Look for the sign which will be placed at the corner of East Tremont and Unionport. A reception will follow at Saint Helena Roman Catholic Church at 1315 Olmstead Avenue in the Bronx.
Sponsors today’s event will include: NYC Council Member Ruben Diaz, Sr. Beverly Roberts, former President of the NAACP, Parkchester Branch and Peace December. This event is free and open to the public.
