The modern civil rights movement

Was more than an incident

The separation of races, already illegal

Remained a city ordinance

 

To witness flogging, murder, and rape

Was more than an incident

A brave woman with soft defiance

Propelled the freedom movement

 

Her birth to a teacher and carpenter

Was more than an incident

A liberal-minded woman of self-worth

Inspired the masses; the time was tense

 

A fight for basic opportunities

Was more than an incident

Without rights living day to day

As a second class citizen

 

The friendship of the Rev. Dr. King, Jr.

Was more than an incident

For 382 days, walking with a cause

The world stood at attention

 

A decision to strike down segregation

Was more than an incident

A day that will live in infamy

The outlaw of that ugly ordinance

 

The life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

Was more than an incident

Though her journey, she bid farewell

Her legacy will never end