Civil Rights pioneer Claudette Colvin dies at 86
FILE – Claudette Colvin talks about segregation laws in the 1950’s while having her photo taken Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Montgomery Civil Rights pioneer Claudette Colvin has died at 86.
Her death was announced by the Claudette Colvin Foundation and her family.
At age 15, Colvin was arrested on March 2, 1955, in Montgomery for violating bus segregation ordinances, nine months before Rosa Parks. Colvin was made a ward of the State and placed on indefinite probation.
FILE – Claudette Colvin at the age of 15
Colvin is one of the two survivors of the Browder v. Gayle U.S. Supreme Court Case. She is known for her significant role in desegregating buses in Montgomery after Parks’ arrest led to the start of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
She was one of four black female plaintiffs, along with Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald and Mary Louise Smith, who filed a lawsuit challenging segregated bus seating in Montgomery. Their attorney was Fred Gray, who maintains a law office to this day.
Their case was successful, impacting public transportation on trains, airplanes and taxis throughout the U.S.
FILE – Claudette Colvin in Montgomery in December 16, 2021, when her probation was expunged. – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News
In 2021, the juvenile court records in Montgomery of Colvin were expunged. When she had been put on indefinite probation as a teenager, her probation technically ended when she became of legal age and the juvenile court no longer had jurisdiction. But because she was placed on “indefinite probation” her family was always fearful for her and they did not realize that the probation ended.
The court never informed them that the probation was over. Ms. Colvin and her family had thought she was still on probation, according to The Colvin Family Legacy.
Her Foundation and family say Colvin was more than a historical figure. “She was the heart of our family, wise, resilient and grounded in faith. We will remember her laughter, her sharp wit, and her unwavering belief in justice and human dignity.
“We are grateful for the love and respect shown to her throughout her life.”
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed released this statement:
“Today, Montgomery and the nation mourn the passing of a civil rights icon, Claudette Colvin. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all who drew strength from her courage and conviction. Before the world fully understood the power of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a city bus. She did so with clarity, courage, and an unshakable belief in her own dignity.
“Her action helped lay the legal and moral foundation for the movement that would change America. For decades, her bravery was too often overlooked.
“Claudette Colvin’s life reminds us that movements are built not only by those whose names are most familiar, but by those whose courage comes early, quietly, and at great personal cost.
“Her legacy challenges us to tell the full truth of our history and to honor every voice that helped bend the arc toward justice.
“May she rest in peace, and may her courage continue to inspire Montgomery and the nation to stand for what is right—even when the world is not yet ready to listen.”
Details for memorial arrangements will be shared at a later time by the Claudette Colvin Foundation and Roseboro Holdings.
