The resolution commemorates the 70th Anniversary of Claudette Colvin's courageous act of civil disobedience on March 2, 1955, when, at the age of fifteen, she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This pivotal moment occurred nine months before Rosa Parks' similar protest and led to her arrest, which sparked a significant lawsuit, Browder v. Gayle, that ultimately resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court declaring bus segregation unconstitutional. The resolution highlights Colvin's early life, her contributions to the civil rights movement, and her role as a key witness in the case that changed the course of history.
In addition to recognizing her historical significance, the resolution acknowledges Colvin's ongoing commitment to social justice and her efforts to inspire future generations through the Claudette Colvin Foundation. It also notes her personal sacrifices, including the loss of her civil rights following her arrest, and her recent success in having her criminal record expunged. The resolution concludes by commending Colvin for her bravery and designating March 2, 2025, as a day to honor her legacy and the impact of her actions on the fight against injustice.