On the first day of Black History Month, we started our celebration off by reading, Claudette Colvin I Want Freedom Now. It is a picture book by Claudette Colvin and Phillip Hoose with beautiful illustrations by Bea released November 11, 2024.
This autobiographical picture book chronicles the events of Claudette Colvin’s teenages year that make her a civil rights icon.
SUMMARY
The story starts with a vivid description of what everyday like would be for a Black person in Montgomery, Alabama, in the 1950s. It describes the unfair, inhuman and indignities this community faced in Montgomery and across many places during the Jim Crow period in the United States.
After a long day at school, Claudette takes the bus home as usual but on March 2, 1955 this ride home was different. A white female passenger screamed at Claudette to move from her seat to she could sit down, but this time Claudette said “no”. For her refusal, police removed her from the bus and jailed her.
The actions of this 15 year old child initiated the Montgomery Bus boycott in 1955 even if you have never heard about Claudette’s courageous act. Nine months after Claudette’s refusal, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat which launched the bus boycott. However, Claudette’s contributions to this movement were not accurately credited until recently.
After not giving up seat, Claudette faced a court case and adversity. To read how the court case turned out and her participation in another court case changed history, make sure to pick up this book at your local book store.
Claudette Colvin is a living civil rights icon whose courageous stand at such a young age is a story every household should know. Imagine yourself at 15, a child, frightened, yet unwavering and face the weight of injustice head-on. Picture the fear and confusion as grown adults yell at you, the terror of being ripped from a bus, dragged away, and thrown into jail, all for refusing to accept a system built on hate.
Claudette is more than a hero. She is a true WARRIOR. Her bravery, her defiance, and her resilience paved the way for change. She embodies the strength, dignity, and power of Black women and serves as an inspiration to all women. Her story is not just history; it is a lesson in courage, a testament to the fire that lives within those who dare to demand justice.
To dive even deeper into Claudette’s HERstory, click here
