Everything Everywhere Daily · Monday, September 28, 2026
The Montgomery bus boycott demonstrated profound commitment from the Black community, with many individuals making significant sacrifices. Civil rights activist Bayard Rustin recounted stories of people walking up to 14 miles daily to work. One elderly Montgomery resident, when asked if her feet hurt from walking, famously replied, 'My feet are tired, but my soul is rested,' highlighting the spiritual and moral strength driving the movement.
“Civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, one of the many leaders who emerged from the struggle, recounted the story of a man who walked 14 miles a day to and from work.”
“Historian Stephen Ocher counted the story of an elderly Montgomery resident who refused Dr. King's offer for a ride.”
“When King asked her if her feet hurt, she said yes, and then famously replied, 'My feet are tired, but my soul is rested.'”