**34. Claudette Colvin**
Claudette Colvin, the courageous civil rights pioneer whose brave stand against segregation predated Rosa Parks, died in 2026 at age 86 (approximate based on public records). Anyone over 40 who studied American history or grew up learning about the fight for equality will recognize her quiet heroism as a foundational moment that changed the nation.
At just 15, Colvin refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking important conversations and legal challenges that fueled the broader movement. Her courage helped lay groundwork for landmark victories in civil rights. Later in life she continued advocating for justice with dignity and strength. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder to older generations of the everyday bravery that shaped the world we inherited.
