Dear diary Today is a very special day. I did something brave. Something I never thought, I’d have the courage to do. I know that after this, my life will never be the same, but I’m sure, it’s the right thing to do. ‘ was on my way home after yet another long day of hard work. I was so tired when I took the bus although I was happy to finally be on my way home to my dearest husband. After so many hours sitting in a room too small for the number of people, I was exhausted. Who wouldn’t be?
However, I got on he bus and found a seat in the back – in fact it was the last seat. We went, as every other day, undisturbed until about the third stop, where some white people got on the bus, but no one left it, so there were no more seats left on the “white side” of the bus. When the bus driver discovered a white man standing, he stopped the bus and asked 4 of us to get up, so the man could get the seat. The two women and the man got up – after some hesitancy – but I was too tired. I was tired of getting up for white people.
Bending under for segregation. So this time I didn’t. The bus driver told me, that he would call the police to arrest me if I didn’t get up, probably because he thought it would make me get up anyhow – It didn’t. Of course I considered It for a second or so but then I thought of how many Negroes I had seen getting up because of one white man. Not once was it because of weakness, sickness or anything like that at all. Every single time it was because of the color of their skin. Who are they to claim that white people are better than black people In any way?
I know what you’re thinking; “why risk going to Jail because of bus seat? Just do like everyone else and get up”. But you know what? This Isn’t about that damn bus seat. This Is about Negroes living in a society, In a country, where we are treated Like dirt. I know a lot of people don’t have the strength to take a stand, but I do and I should use It. Not Just for me and my family. I’m doing It for all Negroes out there. Negroes today and 100 years forward. It’s risky and dangerous, but I’m willing to take that chance.
