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Colored: The Unsung Life of Claudette Colvin
Based on the book "Noire" by Tania de Montagne
A few months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, kicking off the U.S. civil rights movement, making headlines around he world and becoming an enduring symbol of the fight for dignity and equality, another young black woman refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the wrong person at the right time, and so History did not choose her. Her name was Claudette Colvin and this is her story.
A few months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, kicking off the U.S. civil rights movement, making headlines around he world and becoming an enduring symbol of the fight for dignity and equality, another young black woman refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the wrong person at the right time, and so History did not choose her. Her name was Claudette Colvin and this is her story.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2015
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October 23, 2019
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Edit: I just noticed that this book is mine 1300 book rated and I think I am actually pretty happy that this milestone got a five-star rating.
Okay, now I'm angry at myself. I got this book in May, but it took me until now to read it.
And I'm speechless.
The segregation, Jim Crow and then the Civil Rights Movement. I read so much about those, and it still surprises me how much I still do not know. It's a fascinating topic and terrifying at the same time. Of course, I'm not an American, so, my perspective is a bit different. Sometimes this feels like a very distant history to me, which is not. I believe that the distance (different continent) makes it seem that way since I do not have any real connection to that part of history, space, relatives, or something.
Back to the story. We all heard about Rosa Parks, and it surprised me that there was someone who may have inspired her. I never heard about Claudette Colvin, and it made me rethink what I know about the desegregation movement.
Going through this story, I realised that I was familiar with so many people, even Fred Gray but not her. I also knew the Browder v. Gayle case but still not her. Terrifying how easy is it to fade.
"Your actions alone speak volumes; there's no need to speak."
"Everyone clapped for Rosa Parks, but she wasn't asked to speak."
(Both referring to Rosa Parks)
I really need to refresh my knowledge of the movement. Because I never realised how women were sidelined in it. How Claudette Colvin was feared to tarnish its image because she was pregnant, unmarried teenager.
I'm glad that Claudette is now (hopefully) getting the recognition she deserves and at the same time, I wonder if there are more of these heroes who faded in the background.
I also liked the visual; colours were well chosen to accompany the story. The art was simple enough that the book would be accessible to children, but at the same time, it was realistic enough that adult reader is not distracted by it.
Edit: I just noticed that this book is mine 1300 book rated and I think I am actually pretty happy that this milestone got a five-star rating.
Okay, now I'm angry at myself. I got this book in May, but it took me until now to read it.
And I'm speechless.
The segregation, Jim Crow and then the Civil Rights Movement. I read so much about those, and it still surprises me how much I still do not know. It's a fascinating topic and terrifying at the same time. Of course, I'm not an American, so, my perspective is a bit different. Sometimes this feels like a very distant history to me, which is not. I believe that the distance (different continent) makes it seem that way since I do not have any real connection to that part of history, space, relatives, or something.
Back to the story. We all heard about Rosa Parks, and it surprised me that there was someone who may have inspired her. I never heard about Claudette Colvin, and it made me rethink what I know about the desegregation movement.
Going through this story, I realised that I was familiar with so many people, even Fred Gray but not her. I also knew the Browder v. Gayle case but still not her. Terrifying how easy is it to fade.
"Your actions alone speak volumes; there's no need to speak."
"Everyone clapped for Rosa Parks, but she wasn't asked to speak."
(Both referring to Rosa Parks)
I really need to refresh my knowledge of the movement. Because I never realised how women were sidelined in it. How Claudette Colvin was feared to tarnish its image because she was pregnant, unmarried teenager.
I'm glad that Claudette is now (hopefully) getting the recognition she deserves and at the same time, I wonder if there are more of these heroes who faded in the background.
I also liked the visual; colours were well chosen to accompany the story. The art was simple enough that the book would be accessible to children, but at the same time, it was realistic enough that adult reader is not distracted by it.
February 28, 2021
Me ha gustado mucho, es una novela gráfica que nos explica realmente cómo era el tema de la segregación en Estados Unidos entre negros y blancos, como se diferenciaban entre ellos y como se trataba a la comunidad negra.
Nos explica la historia de Claudette Clovin, la primera adolescente negra que se negó a ceder su asiento en el autobús a una persona blanca antes de que lo hiciera Rosa Parks. Nos cuenta lo que surgió a raíz de este movimiento y todo lo que tuvo que pasar a raíz de no querer ceder su asiento.
La historia ha querido siempre remarcar esas personas que eran importantes en la comunidad como lo era Rosa Parks en la comunidad negra y como esta chica Claudette no era tan buen ejemplo por lo que no se le dio la voz que merecía y el reconocimiento.
Os lo recomiendo sin duda.
Nos explica la historia de Claudette Clovin, la primera adolescente negra que se negó a ceder su asiento en el autobús a una persona blanca antes de que lo hiciera Rosa Parks. Nos cuenta lo que surgió a raíz de este movimiento y todo lo que tuvo que pasar a raíz de no querer ceder su asiento.
La historia ha querido siempre remarcar esas personas que eran importantes en la comunidad como lo era Rosa Parks en la comunidad negra y como esta chica Claudette no era tan buen ejemplo por lo que no se le dio la voz que merecía y el reconocimiento.
Os lo recomiendo sin duda.
August 15, 2022
La historia está contada con gran sencillez y economía de medios, y eso permite precisamente ir directas al meollo de la historia: el olvido no solo de Claudette Colvin, sino de otras mujeres que fueron figuras esenciales en la lucha por los derechos civiles, así como la utilización interesada de la figura de Rosa Parks por parte de los líderes masculinos de ese movimiento.
Negra está basado en la novela homónima de Tania de Montaigne, ganadora del premio Simone Veil del año 2015. De Montaigne buscaba alguien que adaptara su novela al cómic, y un conocido común le propuso a Emilie Plateau. La novela gráfica resultante aúna la apelación al lector en segunda persona del singular, que está presente en la novela de De Montaigne, y los diálogos introducidos por Plateau. Puede parecer que la parte gráfica no está demasiado trabajada, pero lo cierto es que es fruto de una amplia investigación por parte de la dibujante para poder recrear el aspecto del Montgomery (Alabama) de los años 50, o poner rostro a los protagonistas de la historia. El volumen se cierra con unas notas históricas elaboradas por Tania de Montaigne que nos permiten conocer mejor a las personas implicadas en esta historia y su contexto.
º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º
This comic is narrated with great simplicity and economy, and thus it goes straight to the core of the story: how Claudette Colvin was forgotten —not only her but also other black women who fought for civil rights in the 50s, and how Rosa Parks was used and silenced by the male leaders of that movement.
Colored is based on the novel with the same title by Tania de Montaigne, winner of the 2015 Simone Veil Prize. De Montaigne was looking for someone to adapt her novel into a comic, and a mutual acquaintance proposed Emilie Plateau to her. The resulting graphic novel combines the phrases that appeal directly to the reader in the second person, which come from the De Montaigne’s novel, and the dialogues created by Plateau. The graphic part may seem undercrafted, but it is the result of a careful investigation to recreate the look of the city of Montgomery in the 50s and to achieve a resemblance to the real people. There are some historical notes written by Tania de Montaigne at the end of the book, which are really helpful to know a little more about the context and the lives of the people in this story.
Negra está basado en la novela homónima de Tania de Montaigne, ganadora del premio Simone Veil del año 2015. De Montaigne buscaba alguien que adaptara su novela al cómic, y un conocido común le propuso a Emilie Plateau. La novela gráfica resultante aúna la apelación al lector en segunda persona del singular, que está presente en la novela de De Montaigne, y los diálogos introducidos por Plateau. Puede parecer que la parte gráfica no está demasiado trabajada, pero lo cierto es que es fruto de una amplia investigación por parte de la dibujante para poder recrear el aspecto del Montgomery (Alabama) de los años 50, o poner rostro a los protagonistas de la historia. El volumen se cierra con unas notas históricas elaboradas por Tania de Montaigne que nos permiten conocer mejor a las personas implicadas en esta historia y su contexto.
º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º º
This comic is narrated with great simplicity and economy, and thus it goes straight to the core of the story: how Claudette Colvin was forgotten —not only her but also other black women who fought for civil rights in the 50s, and how Rosa Parks was used and silenced by the male leaders of that movement.
Colored is based on the novel with the same title by Tania de Montaigne, winner of the 2015 Simone Veil Prize. De Montaigne was looking for someone to adapt her novel into a comic, and a mutual acquaintance proposed Emilie Plateau to her. The resulting graphic novel combines the phrases that appeal directly to the reader in the second person, which come from the De Montaigne’s novel, and the dialogues created by Plateau. The graphic part may seem undercrafted, but it is the result of a careful investigation to recreate the look of the city of Montgomery in the 50s and to achieve a resemblance to the real people. There are some historical notes written by Tania de Montaigne at the end of the book, which are really helpful to know a little more about the context and the lives of the people in this story.
May 22, 2021
Kisah wira yang tak didendang, Claudette Colvin ini ditulis dalam bahasa mudah dengan lukisan ringkas. Saya sendiri tidak mengetahui kewujudan beliau dan lebih cakna tentang peristiwa yang menimpa Rosa Parks yang memicu gerakan melawan segregasi kaum di Amerika pada tahun 1950-an. Meskipun novel grafik ini boleh dikatakan sebagai bacaan ringan (mungkin boleh dikatakan sebagai bacaan permulaan untuk mengenal sosok ini), ia masih meninggalkan kesan mendalam tentang bagaimana dahsyatnya layanan masyarakat dan sekaligus merasai kesulitan yang dialami oleh wanita kulit hitam ketika itu. Siapa sangka ketika meletusnya gerakan hak sivil itu, tersembunyinya hal-hal ketidakadilan yang lain? Claudette Colvin tidak disanjung kerana beliau tidak secerah Rosa Parks, masih muda remaja, dan mengandung luar nikah (yang saya pasti beliau sebenarnya digroomed kerana usianya baru 15 tahun dan lelaki tersebut telah berkahwin [bast*rd!!!])-- sesuatu yang dilihat negatif dan boleh merosakkan imej gerakan tersebut, ketika itu.
June 21, 2020
I had no idea that 15 year-old Claudette Colvin had refused to give up her seat on a bus, and had been jailed for it, months before Rosa Parks. And that because of various reasons to do with a Colvin’s personal life, she was omitted from mention as organizers needed people to headline the desegregation effort in Montgomery. Claudette Colvin was so brave, and it’s a pity her name was forgotten for years.
The comic’s artwork is a combination of little, kind of scribbly drawings surrounded by lots of white space, which I found emphasized the vastness of fight against racism, and in particular, segregation, that people had to deal with and the loneliness and isolation Claudette experienced after her run-in with the judicial system.
The comic’s artwork is a combination of little, kind of scribbly drawings surrounded by lots of white space, which I found emphasized the vastness of fight against racism, and in particular, segregation, that people had to deal with and the loneliness and isolation Claudette experienced after her run-in with the judicial system.
February 1, 2022
Tania de Montaigne wrote Noire : La vie méconnue de Claudette Colvin, which was adapted to graphic novel form and illustrated by Emilie Plateau. It's the story of Claudette Colvin, no relation, who refused to give up her seat on the bus before Rosa Parks but is often left out of the narrative.
The illustrations were simple, lots of white space and shades of brown. I almost wish that since Claudette was so marginalized in her lifetime that she could have taken up more space on the page here, but perhaps that was the point.
The illustrations were simple, lots of white space and shades of brown. I almost wish that since Claudette was so marginalized in her lifetime that she could have taken up more space on the page here, but perhaps that was the point.
December 6, 2019
18/20
L’adaptation de la biographie de Claudette Colvin est une réussite et j’ai beaucoup aimé redécouvrir l’histoire de Claudette Colvin, dont le nom a malheureusement été rayé des livres d’Histoire alors qu’elle a lutté contre la ségrégation raciale avant même Rosa Parks. Une lecture indispensable pour se souvenir.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
L’adaptation de la biographie de Claudette Colvin est une réussite et j’ai beaucoup aimé redécouvrir l’histoire de Claudette Colvin, dont le nom a malheureusement été rayé des livres d’Histoire alors qu’elle a lutté contre la ségrégation raciale avant même Rosa Parks. Une lecture indispensable pour se souvenir.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
February 21, 2021
Il me semblait bien que Rosa Parks n’était pas la première femme a avoir tenue tête aux règles ségrégationnistes obligeant les noir·e·s de se séparer des blancs et de ne pas partager leurs sièges dans les bus, mais je dois bien admettre que ma mémoire était un peu floue à ce sujet : c’est de ça dont parle cet album. De la vie de Claudette Colvin et de la façon dont l’Histoire a, encore une fois, effacé la vie d’une femme noire. C’est un très bel album, graphiquement vraiment très juste et bien fait qui en plus de nous rappeler cette partie de l’Histoire nous rappelle une fois de plus à quel point ce sont les femmes qui ont tout fait (surprenant ?). Je le recommande vraiment !
January 20, 2021
It's painful to read about such discrimination and assaults towards the black people, and to know that these things are still happening.
Where's the so called development and advancements that everyone is talking about when we are still behaving the same way a century ago?
We human are the circus lot still.
It's actually funny to read about the false charges and the various false accusations made on a 15 year old just because she was black while it was the white police officers who took advantage of the situation and assaulted her instead. Humanity?!
The story in this graphic novel showcases how a black woman fought for her right to have a bus sit for herself when she paid for it like everyone else. And yes, the white people had to make a huge deal out of it when she didn't give up her seat for someone white who could have just taken the other available empty seats.
And the history of how the black people stood up together for their rights and winning in the end after having struggled through various legal trials and processes.
*I just wish the illustrations were a bit more elaborate and not too repetitive.
Where's the so called development and advancements that everyone is talking about when we are still behaving the same way a century ago?
We human are the circus lot still.
It's actually funny to read about the false charges and the various false accusations made on a 15 year old just because she was black while it was the white police officers who took advantage of the situation and assaulted her instead. Humanity?!
The story in this graphic novel showcases how a black woman fought for her right to have a bus sit for herself when she paid for it like everyone else. And yes, the white people had to make a huge deal out of it when she didn't give up her seat for someone white who could have just taken the other available empty seats.
And the history of how the black people stood up together for their rights and winning in the end after having struggled through various legal trials and processes.
*I just wish the illustrations were a bit more elaborate and not too repetitive.
February 13, 2021
There are great points made in this story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott about how history gets simplified and less desirable people are erased from the accepted narrative of events and how women's contributions to history can be overshadowed by men hogging the spotlight, but the execution is muted, dull and vague. It really hurts that the illustrations are exclusively long shots, with pages being nearly static as little figures swarm like ants around prominent fixtures like buses, jail cells, or street fronts. With no close-ups it is occasionally hard to identify characters and very hard to identify with them, as they are literally kept at a distance.
I'm grateful to be introduced to this under-recognized person from history but am left wishing I got to know her.
I'm grateful to be introduced to this under-recognized person from history but am left wishing I got to know her.
April 28, 2019
This book was an eye opener for me. I knew of Rosa Parks of course but I had not heard of Claudette Colvin before reading this.
In 1955, she was arrested after she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This was a few months before Rosa Parks’ arrest.
Colvin pleaded not guilty and sued the state.
She later was one of the plaintiffs who testified in the federal court case to challenge bus segregation. But Colvin was a teenager and was perceived as unrespectable because she was pregnant. And so her part in the civil rights movement was kept quiet for a long time. Her family is still fighting for her recognition today.
I’m glad that this comic has highlighted her role in the civil rights movement and hopefully more people will recognize her bravery.
*Thanks to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
In 1955, she was arrested after she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This was a few months before Rosa Parks’ arrest.
Colvin pleaded not guilty and sued the state.
She later was one of the plaintiffs who testified in the federal court case to challenge bus segregation. But Colvin was a teenager and was perceived as unrespectable because she was pregnant. And so her part in the civil rights movement was kept quiet for a long time. Her family is still fighting for her recognition today.
I’m glad that this comic has highlighted her role in the civil rights movement and hopefully more people will recognize her bravery.
*Thanks to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
May 27, 2015
On découvre Claudette Colvin, cette héroïne méconnue, mais l’auteur met également des noms sur ces noirs qui, à l’image de Rosa Parks, ont osé refuser de s’effacer devant des blancs. Un ouvrage qui enseigne beaucoup sur ce combat et sur la ségrégation et son impact sur le quotidien des noirs dans les années 50.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
May 25, 2022
J'ai toujours su que Claudette Colvin a été la première personne à ne pas céder son siège à un blanc dans un bus d'une ville du Sud des US, mais cette BD replace les choses dans leur contexte historique en expliquant le lien avec Rosa Parks et tout ce qui s'ensuivit.
Une sacrée gamine au courage immense du haut de ses 15 ans.
Une sacrée gamine au courage immense du haut de ses 15 ans.
April 9, 2019
An adaptation of the book "Noire" by Tania de Montagne, which I didn’t read so can’t really compare both. But for this book alone, I find it to be a good representation of what it was like to live in that time as a black person. It offer good history and social background and it’s presented in an easy to understand format that could be accessible to a vast majority. Of course if you already know about that time and already learn or read on that subject, you won’t learn much, because all of it was, like I said, easy and basic. Well done, like it, probably more suitable for people who don’t know much about that time/subject, but could be also «enjoyable» for more people. The art also have uniqueness in its style that I like. Well done!
February 26, 2021
As ilustraçoes sao todas em tons de preto, cinza, marrom e bege, com traços fininhos e elegantes.
Fala sobre as leis de segregaçao dos USA e do papel de mulheres como Claudette Colvin e Rosa Sparks no movimento contra segregaçao.
Gostei bastante, uma leitura rapida e informativa.
Fala sobre as leis de segregaçao dos USA e do papel de mulheres como Claudette Colvin e Rosa Sparks no movimento contra segregaçao.
Gostei bastante, uma leitura rapida e informativa.
August 2, 2020
Montgomery Alabama, 1955, a Black woman gets tired of being pushed around and refuses to give up her seat to a White person. She gets arrested, accused of assaulting the police among other charges. Eventually this leads to boycotts, protests and eventually a change in the laws. The woman's name was Claudette Colvin.
Why do we remember the name Rosa Parks but not her? Short answer: Rosa Parks was organized. She planned her action in advance and had people ready to publicize and support her action, and she wasn't afraid to have her name in the papers. Other factors: Colvin was 15, pregnant by a married white man, and so not as sympathetic as a hero.
Interesting story, well told in this short graphic novel.
Why do we remember the name Rosa Parks but not her? Short answer: Rosa Parks was organized. She planned her action in advance and had people ready to publicize and support her action, and she wasn't afraid to have her name in the papers. Other factors: Colvin was 15, pregnant by a married white man, and so not as sympathetic as a hero.
Interesting story, well told in this short graphic novel.
October 14, 2019
A simple yet compelling graphic novel about Claudette Colvin, one of the many overlooked figures in American history who helped fight for civil rights. What amazed me was Claudette Colvin could've had the legacy Rosa Parks holds in history yet never received the recognition because she was a minor and considered an unrespectable model because of her unexpected teen pregnancy (it is implied that she was raped by a white man). This was a fascinating and riveting narrative of Claudette Colvin's life told through simple illustrations. I liked the color scheme here- a mix of white, brown and black which enhanced the story through portraying the separation of races. This graphic novel is made comprehensible for a vast audience though it might be overlooked by older readers due to its simplicity and cartoonish vibe. Extremely well done. 8/10 would recommend.
Warning triggers: rape (implied in dialogue but not made explicit), racial slurs, mild violence
*Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
Warning triggers: rape (implied in dialogue but not made explicit), racial slurs, mild violence
*Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
April 17, 2021
Just wow😧
The first thing that comes to my mind is that men have historically stripped the validity and exhaust of women's actions and I'm pissed about it! 😤 Rosa Parks not being able to speak because it was deemed, by a man, unnecessary. Claudette's brave stance was overlooked be cause she was 16, pregnant and by the misspelling of her last name. Years later she received the notoriety she deserved.
I wanted to know more about this married white man that impregnated a 15 year old girl. Also, why Claudette's mom started a new life and didn't retrieve her like she didn't exist? It's all unsettling. Claudette's name definitely deserves to be in the pages of every history book. She triumphed in adversity with bravery and stilled will.
The first thing that comes to my mind is that men have historically stripped the validity and exhaust of women's actions and I'm pissed about it! 😤 Rosa Parks not being able to speak because it was deemed, by a man, unnecessary. Claudette's brave stance was overlooked be cause she was 16, pregnant and by the misspelling of her last name. Years later she received the notoriety she deserved.
I wanted to know more about this married white man that impregnated a 15 year old girl. Also, why Claudette's mom started a new life and didn't retrieve her like she didn't exist? It's all unsettling. Claudette's name definitely deserves to be in the pages of every history book. She triumphed in adversity with bravery and stilled will.
April 18, 2019
Un album magnifique qui reprend l'histoire de Claudette Colvin et montre de façon remarquable à quel point son nom a glissé dans l'oubli dès les années 50, à quel point elle a été totalement effacée des livres d'histoire et de la mémoire collective.
J'ai beaucoup aimé les dessins à base de noir, blanc et de beaucoup marron, ce qui collait bien au sujet.
Et j'ai également apprécié la narration qui nous invite souvent à nous mettre dans la peau des personnages (principalement de Claudette), l'autrice s'adressant directement aux lecteurs, une trouvaille qui m'a plu et m'a embarquée.
J'ai beaucoup aimé les dessins à base de noir, blanc et de beaucoup marron, ce qui collait bien au sujet.
Et j'ai également apprécié la narration qui nous invite souvent à nous mettre dans la peau des personnages (principalement de Claudette), l'autrice s'adressant directement aux lecteurs, une trouvaille qui m'a plu et m'a embarquée.
December 22, 2020
Adaptation du roman. Une façon simple mais efficace de découvrir Claudette Colvin. Une réflexion faite sur le rôle des femmes dans la lutte contre la ségrégation. Un livre féministe qui questionne le rôle des leaders mâles et la minimisation voulues des actions des femmes noires durant la lutte pour les droits civiques.
April 21, 2025
Elle est super, cette BD. Tout le monde devrait la lire.
Avant Rosa Parks, il y eut Claudette Colvin. Elle avait 15 ans.
Avant Rosa Parks, il y eut Claudette Colvin. Elle avait 15 ans.
December 1, 2021
Muy intenso y necesario, se me ha puesto la piel de gallina, y desde luego que te hace reflexionar (y sufrir por la injusticia).
June 28, 2020
An interesting graphic history that reveals an often untold portion of the struggle for civil rights.
July 21, 2020
Un pan historique bien illustré et bien documenté d'une militante oubliée.
August 12, 2022
Great narration, strong story, PATHETIC ART!!!
June 28, 2022
EXCELLENT. PASSIONNANT. Le genre de livre qui fait réfléchir longtemps. A relire.
February 18, 2025
Elle est super, cette BD. Tout le monde devrait la lire.
Avant Rosa Parks, il y eut Claudette Colvin. Elle avait 15 ans.
Avant Rosa Parks, il y eut Claudette Colvin. Elle avait 15 ans.
March 25, 2024
J’ai aimé découvrir qui était Claudette Colvin, mais je n’ai pas aimé le style d’écriture.
February 1, 2021
Most people interested in history or social issues in the US have heard of Rosa Parks, but hardly anyone has heard of Claudette Colvin. Colvin refused to give up her seat on the bus in Montgomery, Alabama to a white person and was arrested for her offense in March 1955, 9 months before the same thing happened to Rosa Parks. The difference was that Colvin was a 15 year old teenager who failed to excite the lasting support of the black community to her cause. She had initial support which resulted in a short boycott of the buses, but it failed to last long enough to matter. When Rosa Parks was arrested, there was much more support from the community. By that time Claudette was pregnant, and an unmarried, pregnant teenager was not seen as a preferable representative of the boycott and her name was left out of the media and off of flyers.
Eventually Claudette Colvin and three other women testified in a federal lawsuit against discrimination in public transportation and the Supreme Court ruled in their favor. Colvin did not go on to become famous as Parks did. She had a son to raise and she couldn't find a job in Montgomery. She decided to move to New York and live a low profile life. Parks had streets and city parks named after her and a statue dedicated by President Obama, while Colvin finally had one street in a poor and destitute part of Montgomery named after her. The difference in their importance to the laws being changed was the same, but their place in the historical record is radically different.
Eventually Claudette Colvin and three other women testified in a federal lawsuit against discrimination in public transportation and the Supreme Court ruled in their favor. Colvin did not go on to become famous as Parks did. She had a son to raise and she couldn't find a job in Montgomery. She decided to move to New York and live a low profile life. Parks had streets and city parks named after her and a statue dedicated by President Obama, while Colvin finally had one street in a poor and destitute part of Montgomery named after her. The difference in their importance to the laws being changed was the same, but their place in the historical record is radically different.
August 14, 2020
Noirse is informative and eye-opening but not the most engaging read. The simplified art style - without panels, often lacking backgrounds or a setting of any kind but instead just two characters with narration written around them - is perfect for non-fiction. More detailed and realistic artwork would take away from the importance of the story, and this book really wants you to understand the story above all. The art is effectively used to convey the information as an assist to the writing, instead of working purely in tandem. The civil rights movement is an important part of history, and Claudette Colvin's oft-forgotten role in the movement is proudly put on display here.
It's difficult to judge non-fiction comics in the way I would judge fictional comics. The aim is different, the emphasis is different, and it's not like you can complain about a non-fictional story not being dramatic or intense enough. The creator can't just add new details to change the pacing, or to make certain characters more engaging. What Emilie Plateau does is present the information in a straight-forward way that's easy to understand. She is able to take the complex politics and history of the people involved and find a way to share this knowledge in a way that's easy to understand. It does exactly what it promises- it gives you the life of Claudette Colvin. She's someone you should know, but probably don't, and this book is a great chance to learn about her.
It's difficult to judge non-fiction comics in the way I would judge fictional comics. The aim is different, the emphasis is different, and it's not like you can complain about a non-fictional story not being dramatic or intense enough. The creator can't just add new details to change the pacing, or to make certain characters more engaging. What Emilie Plateau does is present the information in a straight-forward way that's easy to understand. She is able to take the complex politics and history of the people involved and find a way to share this knowledge in a way that's easy to understand. It does exactly what it promises- it gives you the life of Claudette Colvin. She's someone you should know, but probably don't, and this book is a great chance to learn about her.
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