For she sat down
so that we could stand up
She endured the indignation
of a prison cell
So that we could cross
over into a different space
She pointed the way of
struggle through self-sacrifice
So that we could
weather the storm of the ongoing fight.
She taught us that simple humility
could withstand the onslaught of hate
So that we could march through the doors,
climb the mountains of despair and frustration.
She passed over to the other side,
with grace and dignity
So now, dear Mother *Ms. Rosa Parks*
we declare a moment of silence, respect, and gratitude.

Rodney Coates is a Professor of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University and can be reached via Email at [email protected].