I chose Claudette Colvin because her story stood out to me, and I felt that more people deserve to know what she did. Something that I admire about Claudette is her courage to stand up to others. Claudette Colvin was courageous, brave, and perseverant. These traits are very present because when you hear her story you realize that she was aware of the impact certain laws were putting on People of Color, and she decided to stand up for what she thought was right, which takes courage and perseverance. 

Claudette Colvin was fourteen when she was taking a public bus home from school in Montgomery, Alabama. When more White passengers came onto the bus, Claudette was obligated to leave. However, she stood up for her rights and stayed right in her place. A fact that a lot of people don't know about Claudette is that she actually did this before Rosa Parks, and she was an inspiration for Rosa Parks to take similar actions. 

My vision was to bring to light the courage and drive it took for Claudette to stand up to the law and show people what was right. In my art I show Claudette Colvin walking out of the bus with her arms crossed. She is walking with the police, and she walks with them to prove a point that although she appears to be giving in, it was really just another big step towards change. I chose to show the perspective of someone watching Claudette being taken away, because seeing something like this inspires others to speak out and make change as a community. I also believe that her actions influenced others to find courage within themselves and to be present in society. I chose to make my art mostly from oil pastel because one of Claudette Colvin's most important traits was courage, and I wanted to express her courage with different vibrant colors. 

Claudette Colvin has really inspired me because she was only fourteen when she stood up to the police. After sharing Claudette Colvin’s story, I hope that people who have learned a little more today and feel inspired by her actions can make change. Whether it's something small or big, change is the only way of evolving.