Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin gets record cleared after 66 years

In 1955, Claudette Colvin was arrested in Alabama for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a White woman. That incident happened nine months before Rosa Parks. "History had me glued to the seat," Colvin says. David Begnaud joins CBSN AM with more about a new development in her story.
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[@That_BIack_Cat]

It's about dam time. Thank you so much Ms. Colvin for your courage. We need more of this today.

[@vgm4smiles440]

EXACTLY!

[@phleemoney2031]

Facts 💯

[@Jayne-bk1qp]

@@vgm4smiles440 ABSOLUTELY 💯 ❤️

[@dangerunchained3128]

Claudette sparked a righteous fight and one that's sadly far from over. What an awesome woman.

[@corvetterome]

Wow! This brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad she did what she did as a teenager. I'm a product of her activism. Thank You!!!!❤

[@harrietyounger6118]

Unsung hero. Living legend. Amazing to hear her tell her story herself.

[@bmilkjl]

BEAUTIFUL! Brought tears to my eyes! I'm glad I found out about her after my 51 years of life.

[@elviraohues6895]

❤ Glad you are getting recognized Ms. Claudette. 💐 Sorry it took so long.

[@LittleJacob208]

What a dignified classy lady who showed tremendous courage. Its a great shame it has taken this long for her to get her well deserved recognition for her bold act of defiance.

[@gpie4850]

The Rosa Parks incident was planned..Claudette's incident wasn't..she should've gotten way more recognition!!!!!

[@ulaper6465]

All of it was planned. She was a pregnant teenager so they didn't wanna use her for this civil rights movement (didn't look good for the public eye). What a freak show

[@jasonr500]

Compare this to how present day media / activist choose their heroes. Could you imagine someone actually looking at her in the face and telling her NO, not you! you are too dark skinned and are a single pregnant teen! We can't use you! Instead, we will use this much lighter skinned woman that isn't pregnant. It's absolutely sickening. Claudette deserved to be Rosa Parks. She was the pioneer. She was not hand selected. She was not planned.

[@YANAMization]

How do you know this?

[@bfyre1]

BUT NEITHER WOMEN WERE THE FIRST ANYWAY

[@Jayne-bk1qp]

STRATEGIC PLANNING at the time and being forced to play by the Racist and Economic Apartheid Rules of the Opposition.

[@ExquisiteKinkyCoils]

Thank you, Ms. Claudette Colvin. First, what kind of nonsense is this? MS. CLAUDETTE COLVIN SHOULD HAVE BEEN CLEARED DECADES AGO. She is a true patriot would. She's not a faketriot pretending to be one. The elder is a genuine profile of courage, whom I admire since reading her story for the first time 5 years ago! At least she received her flowers while she was alive, yet still. Thank you, Judge Calvin Williams & all the Montgomery, AL judges, for giving her justice

[@adofominka8767]

She never got justice? Justice would be fighting for and establishing a new society, not putting Black faces in positions of power to run the old and rotting one.

[@ulaper6465]

It was staged. They didn't use her as planned beca6she was a pregnant teenager which they didn't want the public to know so they used Parks. What a scam an embarrassment. Another black propaganda.

[@damongipson-dg8pc]

They chose rosa parks cause she had the looks

[@evangelistrr8261]

It is a blessing that she, Ms. Colvin, can still tell her story and finally be officially recognized by the vast media, etc.

[@dynamict4722]

She’s so beautiful inside and out! It’s kinda sad that the black community, our community didn’t recognize her story just because she was a kid, darker, and pregnant.

[@toyahill4151]

Nodding, shaking my head really sad our community, black refuse to recognize her story we all recall the story of Rosa Parks not Claudette Colvin due to her being dark skinned, teenager last pregnant at the time. Took years and years I am so glad she got her record cleared by a black judge.

[@StaciW-Italia2309]

Why does everyone keep bringing up her skin tone? It was because she was a young, pregnant, unwed mother.

[@sempfrost1302]

@@StaciW-Italia2309 says on her wiki the reasons were: “she did not have ‘good hair’, she was not fair skinned, she was a teenager, and she was pregnant” So those are valid reasons to bring up.

[@MaxineShaw_84]

Let's please stop citing Wikipedia as a reliable source. While Ms. Colvin still doesn't have the amount of recognition she deserves, she has been directly quoted a number of times about the true order of events. She wasn't pregnant at the time of her arrest or trial ...and while Parks was an advisor and supporter of hers in the NAACP, civil rights leaders decided they shouldn't organize around Claudette because she was seen as a feisty, uncontrollable teen from the wrong side of town while Parks' was an adult with an impressive reputation whose appearance was also associated with middle class. It wasn't until later that summer that Claudette became pregnant and leaders felt _further_ convinced they'd made the right call...only to ultimately be asked by lawyers to be a plaintiff the following year on the Browder vs Gayle federal case. Yes, it's sad that a lot of our community and leaders shunned her for superficial reasons, but let's be mindful to always recognize that the root of our conditioning wasn't initiated by us and we're _still_ fighting to unlearn that same mindset.

[@JukuduB]

As a collective we would have been fine with Claudette. There was and is a SPECIFIC section of our community that deals with color, class, social status and privilege. As long as that group is given the lead, we will fall behind.

[@MsYoung00088]

Amazing. She has been waiting years for this. You are amazing Mrs. Colvin❤

[@normanfreeman6191]

I’ve see this story before but it’s still moves me to no end even today.

[@MyIGNameIsSuperThickVegan]

This made Me tear up!!!!!!! I felt every word she said and I'm glad she saw that that black judge was able to do that for her. She was so happy.

[@joharisheared6405]

This is so beautiful! Thank God for justice served for her.

[@VEGANSAM]

With all due respect, where was 'God' when she was denied her civil rights...& even arrested?!

[@johnmattera6772]

@@VEGANSAM God is in something that literally controls life God gives us life to make our own decisions and it's a sad reality that there's a lot of evil racist people out there in America was even more racist back then when it comes to the laws things are better now but they're still racism and trenched in our society and laws and unfortunately they're still a lot of racists in fact there's even more racist now I believe than back then because of the internets and how much the far right has poisoned the minds of so many Americans and thinking like neo-nazis even if they don't realize that they are being racist or have those ideologies they get showed propaganda that makes them think that way.

[@VEGANSAM]

@@johnmattera6772 Mr. Mattera, again, with all due respect, everything you wrote in your (virtually punctuationless) paragraph is based on assumptions & conjecture, which proves nothing regarding my point, which was the existence of a so-called 'god'. Be well...

[@seaor2k122]

@@VEGANSAM Did you expect God to burst through the clouds and save her from the racist cops? God allowed Ms. Claudette to not get harmed by the police during that incident or lynched. Most of all, allowed her live 80+ years to be honored for her heroics and to get the assault charges off her record.

[@VEGANSAM]

@@seaor2k122 I believe you missed my point. Example: I would not expect a parent to 'save' their child from playing with razors...I'd expect them to PREVENT that scenario in the first place. Otherwise, they've failed as parents. However, if they had no parents, that would be a false expectation... Similarly, if God truly existed, & it omniscient enough to control all the things you claimed, it should've PREVENTED all these things from happening in the first place...including considering her 80 years to be a 'long life'.

[@angelanorth2905]

I heard Miss Claudette's story years ago, as early as junior high school, in 1978. She, my grandmothers and mother are the reasons why, when I rode the bus home from school during junior high & high school, I sat right upfront near the bus driver, even as all my friends headed for the back of the bus!!

[@kingofme8863]

Thank you so much Ms Colvin. You're a legend and appreciated. Thank you. 🖤🙏🏾

[@kingbc05]

When the lady asks why would she want that charge off her record after these many years it really turned my stomach and showed me that she was one of them

[@Mslele-g]

Wht do you mean???

[@aleaseknows8334]

Not at all

[@barbarajoy334]

Awesome job reporters. I can feel your freedom spirit, brought tears to my eyes.

[@eleanorsmith9706]

Dark skin, 15 years old, pregnant was not a good start to demanding civil rights. You must remember Black people were just like white people, judged their own by the color of their skin to a certain degree, and still does so today. I’m so glad that Claudette Colvin received commendation before she passes away. She showed what courage is and how it can benefit us all, and how it was displayed in a peaceful way. I’m 69 and just hearing her story.

[@DrArleezahMarrah]

Thank you for your reply. God Bless ❤️

[@GrandmaGrannyLuvs.....]

69 and doesn't know that the white man would have vilified her for being 15 and pregnant causing the movement to be jeopardized just like they did Emmett Till's mother when they found out about his dad. Now read about that and Jackie Robinson to get a better understanding of why they couldn't and didn't use a 15 yr old Claudette

[@ulaper6465]

Yup. Pregnant black teenager didn't look good to demand any "rights". What a freak show

[@omegawicked1]

I'm 36. I just hearing about now

[@justred5164]

@@omegawicked1there’s PLENTY of our history that’s buried deep because if they (white folks) let it be known they wouldn’t be able to control the black community..

[@floydschake1749]

Rosa was picked by NAACP because she was light skinned and not pregnant at age 15. Claudette is the real icon, even her own people picked Rosa over her. She's the real hero , not Rosa. Interview her child if you want a real perspective.

[@koko992-e8d]

both are hero’s let’s not disregard Rosa’s legacy for one other also Rosa amplified her voice if you do further research. Though there was colorism was involved and awful don’t diminish one for the other. Ms Claudette is blueprint and just as much as an icon.

[@floydschake1749]

@@koko992-e8d let's also recognize the real first time. Rosa was selected if you really look into it. Thomas Sowell has the facts.

[@koko992-e8d]

@@floydschake1749 as i said in my previous response Claudette is the blueprint and what Rosa did for the community doesn’t take away her legacy. Claudette deserves just as much recognition and maybe more and is a hero but let’s not disrespect Rosa to do that.

[@floydschake1749]

@@koko992-e8d I support the original act as heroic but think Staging the act later for propaganda to further an agenda which although brilliant and a lie was still staged.

[@kelvinmorris1991]

@@koko992-e8dRosa Is no hero lol

[@marilyngarcia5746]

This is so sad that they have to take her to jail because of that she is a special woman God bless her always 🙏 ❤

[@ulaper6465]

Lol 😆

[@carleathawells1733]

What the, you know I can’t even say it? This is crazy! This woman’s life was put on hold because of her FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND RIGHTS!!! #GODbewithher #smh #justice She needs more than what they are giving her!!! #completerestoration #honor #rewards 😳🤨

[@adofominka8767]

What do you mean?

[@GrandmaGrannyLuvs.....]

She doesn't know bc Black People had no freedom of choice or rights back then. Learn the history carleathea

[@floydschake1749]

And they made Rosa a hero, Claudette was real, not a setup .

[@jayhenry815]

Just found out about this legendary Queen today and was and still is ecstatic about her and her stance . Mother of mothers , Queen of Queens . leader of leaders . Still standing tall even while sitting down.. Predistined

[@prettylaurynn]

It’s wild cus when I looked it up it said the reason the civil rights movement didn’t push this issue is because she wasn’t light skinned with good hair and was pregnant . Our ppl said this . I swear we our own worse enemy smh

[@annzeeg4217]

That's not the reason Claudette said that's what her mother told her but truth she wasn't the first and neither was Rosa Parks black people were arrested on the buses all the time. The NAACP rallied behind Parks because she been a member for over a decade and had o worked on several civil rights cases

[@vaultclassics1516]

Why in the he** would that be a badge of honor to have a criminal record.

[@Cpre1111]

ALL of the Montgomery judges should've been there to honor Ms. Colvin and expunge that record!

[@shena1256]

Thank you ma'am! I'm so sorry history treatment you badly.

[@JonnyBgooD007]

Think bout this, she was convicted. Which prohibits her for working with certain employers and etc. She made things work. When people say one didn't go through such and such. Imagine the generational mental abuse and restraints have burdened her and her family.

[@alexiancourt2551]

A very brave woman. God protected you. Hallelujah

[@MsRayDG]

God bless her and the judge and I know she’s right when she said skin tone played a part as well because that’s how it was and how it still is

[@RedRiverMan]

thank you Ms. Claudette!

[@powerplay4real174]

The record removed shows that she was wronged and that recognized it as wrong. And now it's documented history on record. 😊

[@That_BIack_Cat]

It makes me sick that Ms. Colvin got less recognition for her bravery partially because she has darker skin than Ms. Parks did. Unfortunately we still have a lot of people that think that racism and bigotry is ok. Smdh.

[@That_BIack_Cat]

@Smurfette Did It Firstly, I am not your honey. Secondly, you don't know what I think. You are making assumptions for which you know nothing about. I watched the entire video. I didn't assume because I know that is foolish behavior.

[@ExquisiteKinkyCoils]

Correction: years ago, I first read removing Ms. Colvin from the Civil Rights Movement because they didn't view having an unwed mother as the appropriate face of the movement. It's was a different time 60 years ago, & she still fought for Civil Rights throughout her life. Yet still, the CRM should have been done better by Ms. Colvin; I agree. Those racists & bigots can continue to argue with their liver while being loud, mad, & on the wrong side of history.

[@jammzy2959]

Unfortunately, this was a result of colorism from the black community. Rosa Parks was chosen because she was lighter and not an unwed mother. It's not that the people who made the decision to use Rosa were colorist (but maybe they were), it's that they believed people would be more sympathetic. You really need to learn our history and not act like we don't have issues of our own.

[@That_BIack_Cat]

@@jammzy2959 lol another assumer. Neither of you asked me what I was referring too. You just assumed. You have told me nothing I didn't already know. It is not I that needs to learn our history. It is you that needs to learn to think before assuming. I know full well what colorism is. I am a bi-racial fair skinned brown woman. I have seen all manner of racism and colorism first hand. Yes it disgusts me to see any bigotry including from other minorities. If you had asked instead of assumed you might have avoided making a fool of yourself.

[@That_BIack_Cat]

@@ExquisiteKinkyCoils I am glad she kept fighting and that she has finally been exonerated and recognized for her heroism. I get why they passed her over but It was still wrong.

[@damndredidthatt]

These ladies fought for the right to sit at the front of the bus just for me to want to sit in the back of the bus in high school to do stupid stuff smh wish i were more educated about this stuff back then

[@Mslele-g]

Why didn't Rosa Parks not speak out after finding out

[@phleemoney2031]

Ms.Colvin been deserved her 💐💐🙏🏾🙏🏾Thank you 💪🏾

[@kd6701]

I'm not crying. It's my allergies😢😢😢. Such a beautiful story. I hate that it's forgotten history.

[@FactsNC300]

She has a better attitude and articulation than Rosa Parks

[@zacaisavionbanks6333]

She’s ICONIC!

[@christtruthfreedom2351]

It Takes EVERYTHING AWAY, David!

[@primejudicator7817]

"Girl, what are you doing?!" Answer: Getting into some "Good trouble." 🙏🏾🙏🏾👏🏾

[@kimbermichelle3922]

All my face mask "GOOD TROUBLE"

[@LisaLisa-os8ws]

So true speaking truth

[@nightslayer6951]

I just what this brave woman did. They should have made a documentary about her along with Rosa Parks

[@trentgmusic]

Thank you Claudette, for sparking it.

[@dans3182]

I cannot move because history has been glued to the seat!!!! Yaaassss!

[@Jayne-bk1qp]

Yes, Such a remarkable recognition of our history and A REVOLUTIONARY RESPONSE by a young high school student connecting with our ARCHETYPAL ANSISTERS! An ICONIC ROLE MODEL FOR TODAY'S YOUTH! KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! ASE'

[@abeltesfaye_]

Ms. Claudette Colvin is a HERO!!!! And seeing that a BLACK judge was the one to clear her record is so emotional!!!

[@kdeloris2225]

Now that we know we won't ever forget you, Caudette Colvin💐❤💐❤️

[@tionamerahki]

Wow 😢 So Inspiring! My great-grandmother, born in 45, created & passed down her own maiden name of “Calvin.” No one can tell me where she got this name. My soul tells me she was inspired by Ms. Colvin & the Calvinists. Now that’s a true Poet! Much love to my Froot ❤

[@penelopemayblm]

Beautiful statement by the judge.

[@patriciablake2602]

I'm sitting here crying, nice to meet you on social media. You have the courage to do what you did.😍

[@ulaper6465]

LOL 😆 What a scam.

[@s.p.5213]

BADGE OF HONOR?? For the newscaster lady not to realize why espoungement/ CLEARING OF YOUR GOOD NAME is important--- is beyond me.

[@keneithegirl1008]

Do you not hear what she saying! Please listen to this b🤬

[@keneithegirl1008]

The disrespect she have in her is disgusting just listen to her feedback her body language is whatever! They really let uncoloured folks expose themselves so freely w/o a fight

[@Ireal-k5c]

Right! Like what kind of questions was that.

[@pattih7]

Amen to that!!!! Congratulations, and God bless! 🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️

[@misscamdennjusa2024]

I know that's right. Claudette Colvin is magnificent 💜💜💜💪💜💜💜

[@powerplay4real174]

Some money should come with that ⚔️🤺

[@johnmattera6772]

I'm not sure if this some Mandela effect or not but I remember learning my whole life including elementary School that Rosa Parks was the first woman to start the bus movement for black people should not be forced to sit in the back of the bus this is crazy I'm just finding this out does anyone else feel the same way about this situation that this might be a Mandela effect?

[@bluejay9638]

Nah it's more like Christopher Columbus' situation, where we could go decades thinking he was the first on a America, which is completely false.

[@pattyvan4418]

Omg they been lying to us all these years.

[@johnmattera6772]

@@bluejay9638 true

[@teeandtea]

I knew about her years ago.. I was over our Black History program at church, and she was one who was picked to do a report on. This was over 15 year ago. My 12 yr old granddaughter is doing her school report on her today.

[@ulaper6465]

All the civil rights movement was staged for the public eye. Now you got the BLM idiots

[@TrueStrategicEyes]

Make this right. Give her, her rightful place the spark of the civil rights case

[@patricialeonard2748]

I salute you Ms Colvin. You make me proud 2 b a melanated woman😊❤

[@sacredmorningcoffee141]

That's a damn shame, idc if she was the 3rd person she still should have been recognized...

[@Jayne-bk1qp]

A Dream deferred until NOW!

[@kenowens7759]

I am 60 years old and I just saw her story😢 This breaks my heart the history of the U.S. and how the injustices then, and now continue to occur , but God's day is near each day that passes 🙏🏾 Jehovah God will avenge those who were inflicted by racism 🙏🏾

[@MrDaRiAn21]

So long has passed - long overdue!

[@patriciawashington8780]

thank you so much elder, im so sorry it took so long to right such a horrible wrong. so grateful for all you have done.

[@misscamdennjusa2024]

I need to speak to Judge Calvin Williams.

[@mo_paragon3]

I always honor this Queen every Black History month. We appreciate what you have done and we give you Ms. CLAUDETTE COLVIN your ⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️⚘️. One thing about us Colvin's that is in our bloodline... we never back down from any challenges we face. Love You Mam.💯👑💎🤝🏾

[@AAHomeGardening]

I would definitely want my record clear as well, dont matter the number of years that past

[@HamboneyGamezYT]

Shoutout to Claudette Colvin....the Darkskinned hero we needed.....

[@melliemel32]

I think I know what the lady was saying, but, no, it was not a badge of honor. Not was a reminder of the wrong done to her. The newspaper article can serve as a badge of honor.

[@Steve_Minaj]

This is absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mariejane1567]

Her friend said it was a lady named Ms Smith was really the "First" person to get arrested before Claudette.....

[@princellasmith7562]

This is why we need more black judges and more black people in the justice system! A black judge did this!!

[@kyronthompson6726]

@princellasmith7562 Fo Sho ✊🏿👊🏿💪🏿👏🏿

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you.

[@christtruthfreedom2351]

Thank Ai'ou $o Much, David!

[@Kiki-xc2zx]

But why he apologize? They need to apologize.

[@jessyc2492]

Badge of honor ??? That was an ignorant statement for the reporter to even say

[@lulemelgarejo3280]

Thank you so much for your much needed strength and bravery. I love you dear lady. You are an amazing warrior and example for young and old. God bless you always and in every way. 🌿🌹🌿🤗

[@keyawnspoor9903]

I cried ❤

[@victoriadanielis7936]

Tears of joy!!! Amen!!!❤

[@jillarymartin7895]

😭😭😭😭😍😍 A beautiful warrior✌🏽🖤

[@deeface265]

There should pay her out too

[@KarmaX10]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 ❤❤finally!! Thanks Mrs Claudette

[@odellpatterson3527]

Amen to that!

[@tiffanyblount7560]

Thank you, I stand on your shoulders.

[@LisaLisa-os8ws]

Happiness and joy praise God

[@DSHite]

It's about time...

[@reginapotts4030]

They should do a movie about Claudette life

[@kyronthompson6726]

@reginapotts4030 Most Definitely They Should

[@makeracistsafraidagain]

My respects, Ma'am.

[@dianewilliams4123]

I can only say Thank God and Amen to that.

[@trentgmusic]

The real "Mother of the Movement".

[@Jayne-bk1qp]

MOTHERS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT!

[@gms2602]

🙏🏿🇧🇧📖⛪😭T😭E😭A😭R😭S😭🙏🏿Blessings Mr Fred🙏🏿Blessings Mr Williams😭 In All They Ways Acknowledge Him And He Shall DIRECT THY PATH🙏🏿📖⛪🙏🏿

[@bootnazz1786]

Recent immigrants need to see this.they seem to think America always so great

[@alcyonlee-il6xq]

Why do you think that immigrants do not know the history of America? As a Jamaican we had our own fight and we do know and research history.

[@deloreswillis9224]

What a beautiful blessing!! Over due!!!!!!

[@lastpoetleft]

Crazy they went from this to poundtown in less than 2 generations

[@iammahalieka]

Did this Black newscaster just say she would have thought that Claudette would think that this was “A Badge of honor” ???? 👀👀👀👀😳😳😳

[@soundtv2220]

Why the hell would the reporter lady ask why would she want that off her record🤬🤬 that has to be the most dumbest question I’ve ever heard Get HER TF OUTTA HERE😂😂😂😂

[@oglowkey9532]

ROSA PARKS WAS A PLANT

[@Mslele-g]

They plant rosa on the scene, but claudett cov is the hero

[@hemicuda123ify]

So do all the history books need to be corrected ? Rosa Parks accepted all the accolades and yet Claudette colvin was the one in that bus seat?

[@Habadacus405]

Not quite. Rosa parks did refuse to get up from her seat. However, Claudette did this action about 9 months BEFORE Rosa Parks did.

[@annogbeni4506]

Yes history books should be corrected. From my understanding Claudette Colvin was also not 1st person.

[@goldbabycarti3615]

This is super dope!!!

[@ashleywheeler8843]

This is awesome, I'm glad she's finally being recognized for what she did as a young lady! Rosa parks stole that from her.

[@johnmattera6772]

I love this wonderful human being ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️!