“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.”
- February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005
- American
- Civil Rights Activist, Symbol of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
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Quote
“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.”
Explanation
In this poignant statement, Rosa Parks expresses her desire to be remembered not just for a single act of resistance, but for a life driven by the universal pursuit of freedom. Her use of “wanted to be free” is deeply personal, yet she immediately extends that wish outward—“so other people would be also free.” This reveals a profound belief in collective liberation, where individual dignity is inseparable from the freedom of others.
Historically, Parks is most often remembered for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus, but this quote shows the broader intention behind her life’s work. Her freedom was not about personal comfort or fame; it was about breaking the chains of oppression for all who were bound by them. Her words reflect a deep understanding that true freedom means fighting not only for oneself, but for others who remain voiceless or oppressed.
In today’s world, Parks’ aspiration remains an enduring call to action. It challenges us to consider how our own struggles for justice and equality can empower others, and to measure success not just in personal gains, but in the liberation we help bring about for our communities. Her legacy reminds us that freedom, to be meaningful, must be shared—and pursued with empathy, courage, and solidarity.
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