February Birthdays
Today we celebrate the birthdays of a true visionary and a truly courageous American. They both remind us that, dreams you dare to dream, really do come true.
Rosa Parks
February 4th, 1913
Mrs. Parks worked tirelessly for equal rights long before remaining seated on December 1st, 1951. Mrs. Parks stayed seated not because she was too tired to move:
“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” – Mrs. Rosa Parks
Mrs. Parks’ commitment to civil rights began long before remaining seated and continued long after the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott she and others inspired. It was the bus boycott along with Mrs. Parks’ encouragement that launched a little known 26-year-old Martin Luther King into his leadership role for the movement.
Rosa Parks was a courageous American who stood for justice. To learn more about Mrs. Parks and this life to be celebrated watch this short created by the History Channel.
“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.” — Mrs. Rosa Parks
Steve Jobs
February 24th, 1955
Steven Paul Jobs was a college drop-out (not recommended).
Steve jobs was also a visionary who revolutionized the industries he channeled his creativity and determination into. No one brought higher levels of creative thinking and imagination to their vision, exquisite taste and resolve than Steve Jobs.
While still in high school Mr. Jobs was, to put it mildly an avid Bob Dylan and Beatles fan.
At a very young age he found Beatles bootlegs that gave him a peek inside the Fab 4’s demos and creative process. Hearing a song evolve as they continuously worked to bring their art to the highest-level informed Steve’s own relentless pursuit of artistry in design.
I recommend watching this interview held at the 2007 D5 Conference with Steve together with his friend, collaborator and competitor Bill Gates.
Dare to dream, and enjoy your music.
Robert Konkle
Founder and Executive Director
Village Music School