Early Civil Rights pioneer Claudette Colvin passed away on Tuesday at age 85. Just 15 years old, she helped kick off the Montgomery Bus Boycott by refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus. For a variety of reasons, the local NAACP didn’t think she was a suitable figurehead for their boycott, and Rosa Parks got the spot instead. Please read Claudette’s New York Times obituary for a more detailed overview of her life and activism. (Thanks to Headphone Princess for sharing this yesterday.)
Optional discussion prompt: any overlooked historical figures that you find inspiring.