Rosa Parks died this evening.

I just read about it in the New York Times. And I have an odd confession. When first reading the article, I was thinking to myself that this would be the end to lawsuits against OutKast. And, ironically, the second half of the article was all about her recent suit against the band. And then five mintues later, as the paper worked furiously to write a longer, more in depth and perhaps more appropriate article, all mention of the suit was removed.

And I am glad that they did so, because it is important for her to be remembered for her vast contribution to our modern world. I feel bad that the only reason I have considered her over the last several years is in connection with the frivolous legal battle. It says a lot about the younger generation’s priorities and concerns, that an affront to one of our hip hop heroes seems more important than the legacy of someone who acted as a catalyst for civil rights. And this includes my own, sadly enough.

The other thinking point for me is that Dr. King was only 26 when he spear-headed the bus boycott. That’s right, he was my own age as he began to influence the world. I think it is high time I work to do the same.