Quotables

“The hijab was just the spark. It has always been about basic human rights.”

Iranian protester “FAWAZ,” telling the BBC (using a pseudonym) why thousands have demonstrated in the streets of Iran following the September death in police custody of a woman arrested for improper wearing of the Muslim head covering.

“I was just hoping people from the community could bring their concerns, their questions.”

Bison Coffeehouse owner LORETTA GUZMAN, whose Portland, Ore., establishment had its windows smashed by six masked individuals on Oct. 5 in apparent retaliation for a planned “Coffee With a Cop” event, according to The Oregonian.

“No excuses, with or without electricity, I have to continue my studies.”

Afghan MARZIA MOHAMMADI, 16, in a diary entry, according to NPR. Marzia and 52 others, mostly minority Hazara girls, were killed in a Sept. 30 suicide bombing attack on the Kaaj learning center in Kabul.

“My cheeks were sore from smiling so much.”

El Paso County (Colo.) Sheriff’s academy graduate NATALIE YOUNG after Escondido, Calif., police officer Jeff Valdivia pinned on her deputy badge during her Sept. 23 graduation ceremony. Valdivia had 22 years prior rescued Young, then a baby, from a California drug house, and she was later adopted, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.