Resolutions

Resolution Number ANA07.23

In Recognition Of Claudette Colvin

WHEREAS, Claudette Colvin (a 15 year old African-American girl), who was arrested on March 2, 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man and who was later a plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle (the Supreme Court case that ended bus segregation), is not the person most associated with the civil rights movement resulting in African-Americans having to wait nine months for another role model (Claudette's mentor and friend, Rosa Parks) to get on the bus at the same location Claudette had entered the bus, to follow the same route as Claudette had done and to get arrested as Claudette had been arrested before the bus strike and desegregation of the buses took place; and

WHEREAS, Claudette changed the face of the nation without credit or glory or fame and, like Claudette, millions of American youth, responsible for many of the fundamental improvements in American society, have had their contributions completely ignored;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the CDP goes on record in recognition of the historic contribution of this brave young person, Claudette Colvin, in the struggle to end segregation in America.

Submitted by Mark Hull-Richter; Patrick Henry Democratic Club
Written by Natasha and Alexandar Hull-Richter

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Adopted by the Executive Board
Of the California Democratic Party
At Its Executive Board Meeting
Sheraton Hotel, Anaheim
November 18, 2007