Sarah Louise Keys facts for kids
Sarah Keys Evans (born Sarah Louise Keys; 1928 – November 16, 2023) was an important African American Army veteran. She played a big part in the civil rights movement in the United States. This movement worked to end unfair treatment and segregation.
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Early Life and Army Service
Sarah Louise Keys was born in 1928 in Washington, North Carolina. Her father, David Keys, was a Navy veteran from World War I. In 1951, Sarah joined the Women's Army Corps. She finished her training in Alabama and was stationed in New Jersey.
A Brave Stand on a Bus
On August 1, 1952, Sarah was a Private First Class in the Army. She was traveling by bus from Fort Dix to her family's home in North Carolina. When the bus stopped, a new driver got on. He told Sarah to give up her seat to a white Marine. Sarah was tired and said no.
Because she refused, Sarah was arrested. She spent 13 hours alone in a jail cell in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She was then told to pay a $25 fine for causing trouble.
The Court Case
Sarah's case was called Keys v. Carolina Coach Co. She was helped by a lawyer named Dovey Johnson Roundtree. Sarah left the Army in 1953. Her case was finally decided in 1955. The Interstate Commerce Commission, a government group, ruled in her favor. This meant that bus segregation was illegal for trips between states.
Sarah was working at a beauty salon when she heard the news. She had tried to keep her case private. But soon, her photo was in newspapers everywhere. Later that same year, Rosa Parks was arrested for also refusing to give up her bus seat.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1958, Sarah Keys married George Evans. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Brooklyn, New York.
Sarah Keys Evans passed away on November 16, 2023. She was 95 years old.
Remembering Sarah Keys Evans
Sarah was asked to speak at the 1997 dedication of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. This memorial honors women who served in the military.
In 2020, the town of Roanoke Rapids created "Sarah Keys Evans Day" on August 1. They also dedicated a mural showing her story. The 117th United States Congress even thought about giving Sarah the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive.
