The Unsung Hero Who Risked Everything to Protect the Little Rock Nine

daisy bates smiling
Via kpbs
Tremain Prioleau II
January 9, 2025

Daisy Bates was the founder of the Black newspaper, The Arkansas State Press, that championed civil rights. In 1957, she took on the tremendous responsibility of mentoring and supporting the courageous children who became known as the Little Rock Nine.

The Little Rock Nine were on a mission to make history. They would be the first students to integrate Little Rock Central High School. Although these students volunteered for this, they hadn’t volunteered to be targets of hatred.

As chapter president of the Arkansas NAACP, Daisy Bates documented harassment incidents and kept NAACP leadership updated on her students. Dr. King personally encouraged her to urge the students not to give up despite the bullying and prejudice.

Segregationists routinely threatened Daisy Bates, her husband, the Little Rock Nine and their families. But she wouldn’t allow them to give up the fight. She stood firm, bravely escorting the Little Rock Nine into Central High in September 1957.

Sometimes, our role in fighting white supremacy takes the form of mentoring and protecting the rising generation. Like Daisy Bates, how can we support the next generation of liberation fighters pushing for a better tomorrow?

We have a quick favor to ask:

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