Teacher: Vals Liu
School: VSA Art+Design Studio, Vancouver, Canada

Excerpt from artist’s Impact Statement: "I chose to paint Claudette Colvin in color, but the women in the background in shades, to emphasize the tension between judgment and courage....Her story reminds me that you don’t have to be older or famous to make a difference, you just need to be brave enough to stand up for yourself. She gave me more confidence to speak up when I see something unfair going on, even if I feel nervous or alone. She inspires me to trust my values and do what is right, no matter what others might think."

Learn more about Unsung Hero: Claudette Colvin