Wilma Rudolph wanted to run and jump like other children, but she had a serious disease that kept her leg from growing well. She did not give up and went on to one day win Olympic gold medals.
Ruby Bridges just wanted to go to a good school. She did not ask to be a hero, but she knew how to be strong. Her bravery made it possible for classrooms today to be safe places for children of all races.
Maria Tallchief was inspired to dance while watching Osage dancers as a child in Oklahoma. For tribal ceremonies only men were allowed to dance. But, Maria went on to become America's first prima ballerina.
When Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a young girl she knew she could do anything her brothers could do. But the laws in the country said women were not equal to men. Elizabeth knew she had to make a difference for all women.
Sojourner Truth was born to slaves. She had no choice. But when she grew to be a young mother herself, she ran away with her child looking for freedom. She used her voice to speak for all slaves wanting to be free.
Daniel Inouye was born in Hawaii to parents who came from Japan. He had a happy life as a child until 1941 when the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor in his hometown. As war broke out, Daniel's life changed forever. He fought in the U.S. Army against the Japanese and then went on to serve Hawaii and his country in the U.S. Senate.
As a child, Cesar Chavez worked on farms with his family. He felt the workers were not treated well. Cesar used his voice to become a leader in making sure farm workers were paid better and treated fairly.
