Reserved - Rosa

Today I got on the bus to go to work and as usual it was packed. Mysteriously though, there was one open seat directly behind the driver. The seat was covered with a sign which I didn't read but assumed it was an advertisement that hadn't been put up yet. I tried to move the sign but then the driver warned me that the seat was reserved. Reserved? I'm the last stop and no one is there yet, plus who says you can reserve seats on a public bus. Being the pacificst I am, I just walked back and stood like I always do. When I got to work, I realized that today is the 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks famous protest and that one seat on every bus is reserved for her. I'm sure I would have realized that if I had read the sign. Sorry I tried to sit in your seat, Rosa.

Part II

Tonight on my way home I made a point to look for a sign and sure enough, the sign I tried to sit on this morning was in rememberance of Rosa Parks historical protest against segregation. I decided to sit next to this seat and tried to snap a picture with my camera phone. As I sat there I reflected for the first time in my life on what Parks really did that day. While I was lost in thought, someone sat in the vacant seat next to me. Being in a sentimental mood, I stood up to leave a seat vacant for Rosa. I think the lady was a little confused by me because she then moved to the seat on the opposite side. I said I was sorry and had to explain my actions in Spanish to her. We ended up having a very meaningful conversation. The woman noted that Parks not only made great steps for Blacks that day but for Latinos like her and all other minorities' equal rights. I commented that it meant something to me to because even as a white person; I want to treated equally as others and not receive greater or worse treatment based on my race.

I have known about Rosa Parks since grade school and her recent death had little meaning to me, but today I truly began to realize the brave decision she made that day and for that I am thankful.