>What a splendid woman this was, and what natural serene beauty.
>
>But Americans seem to be confused as to what she did for the civil rights movement. I watched about her on the TV last week, and heard how she'd refused to give up her seat to a white.
>
>Yet EVERY American interviewed said that she was the "first to stand up".
>
>I'm confused. I thought it was the opposite.

Assuming that you're not joking, it is often said that by sitting down Rosa Parks was the first person to stand up (for her rights as a human being).

I think your "serene beauty" describes her very well.