today in Black history - feb 4

I would be remiss in today's post if I didn't focus on Rosa Parks, born in Tuskegee, AL, on February 4, 1913. Rather than adding more writing to the plethora that is already out there about this incredible teacher, activist, yogi, icon, I will share with you some of the words written by my late friend Urana McCauley, Rosa Parks' niece, as told to my friend Liz Dwyer in 2019 (this was originally published on Shondaland, but it looks like they are updating the site. I'll add a link in the future if it comes back online):

"I know people might still try to belittle my Auntie Rosa by saying, "Oh she was just a little seamstress." But that "little seamstress" is proof you can be anything out here and still make changes in your community. My aunt felt passionate about civil rights — it was a passion she felt in her soul, and we all have to tap into that. Whether it's working with children or with the elderly, or voting rights or women's rights — working at a homeless shelter or women's shelter, or getting trained to volunteer on a suicide hotline on the weekends. We can all do a little thing and the ripple effect of it can go a long way." --Urana McCauley

That last line hits home for me. Tiny actions and ripple effects. We are still feeling the impact of the waves Rosa Parks made and her legacy continues to change our landscape. You can check out this 1995 interview with Rosa Parks to hear her tell a piece of her own story.