March 17, 2010 > Heroes in history Heroes in history Submitted By Sheila Jordan Heroes in History: The public is invited to attend "Celebrating Everyday Heroes in History", a special evening honoring Claudette Colvin and to participate in a History Day Competition. Claudette Colvin hailed from Alabama, and in 1955, at the age of 15, she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus to a white person, in violation of local law. Her arrest preceded that of Rosa Parks by nine months. "Young people think Rosa Parks just sat down on a bus and ended segregation, but that wasn't the case at all," said Colvin said in an interview with author Philip Hoose. "Maybe by telling my story, something I was afraid to do for a long time, kids will have a better understanding about what the civil rights movement was about." Space is limited. Reservations are required for the event. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in cash at the door. Payment can also be sent by check to History Day, c/o ACOE Communications Office, 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544. History Day Contest: The Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest (NHD) makes history come alive for America's youth by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural and social experiences of the past. Through hands-on experiences and presentations, participants are better able to inform the present and shape the future. NHD inspires children through exciting competitions and transforms teaching through project-based curriculum and instruction. Students from nine county school districts and several private schools will exhibit projects including documentary films, dramatic performances, websites, papers and museum exhibits, addressing the annual theme of "Innovation in History: Impact and Change." The Colvin Award focuses on historical examples of "youth challenging injustice." For more information, contact (510) 670-7754, write to claudiam@acoe.org or visit www.oakarts.org. An evening honoring Claudette Colvin Friday, March 19 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 Adults; $5 Youth History Day Competition Saturday, March 20 Noon - 3:30 p.m. Free and open to the public Oakland School for the Arts 530 18th Street, Oakland (510) 670-7754 www.oakarts.org