Using primary sources - letter from civil rights activist Daisy Bates to secretary of the NAACP, 1957 - school desegragation, Arkansas

Current Events, Feb 6, 2004 by Daisy Bates

Daisy Bates (c. 1914-1999) was no shrinking violet. The Arkansas native ran a leading black newspaper, the Arkansas State Press, and championed the causes of civil rights and school desegregation. As president of the Arkansas chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), she served as a mentor to the students known as the "Little Rock Nine" and acted on their behalf countless times. Below is part of a letter she wrote to Roy Wilkins, secretary of the NAACP, in December 1957, four months into the students' tumultuous first year at Central High School. Read the letter and answer the questions that follow.

Arkansas State Press P.O. Box 2179 Little Rock, Ark. December 17, 1957

Mr. Roy Wilkins 20 West 40th Street New York, N.Y.

Dear Mr. Wilkins:

Conditions are yet pretty rough in the school for the children. Last week Minnijean's mother, Mrs. W. B. Brown, asked me to go over to the school with her for a conference with the principal.... Subject of conference: "Firmer disciplinary measures, and the withdraw of Minnijean from the glee club's Christmas program." The principal had informed Minnijean in withdrawing her from the program that "When it is definitely decided that Negroes will go to school her with the white troops are removed, then you will be able to participate in all activities." We strongly challenged this statement, which he denied making in that fashion.

We also pointed out that the treatment of of the children had been getting steadily worse for the last two weeks in the form of kicking, spitting, and general abuse. As a result of our visit, stronger measures are being taken against the white students who are guilty of committing these offenses. For instance, a boy who ... knocked Gloria Ray into her locker ... was given an indefinite suspension.

The superintendent of schools also requested a conference the same afternoon. Clarence and I went down and spent about two hours. Here, again we pointed out that a three-day suspension given Hugh Williams for a sneak attack perpetrated on one of the Negro boys which knocked him out, and required a doctor's attention, was not sufficient punishment....

Sincerely,

Daisy Bates

1. Describe conditions in Central High for the Little Rock Nine. --

2. Why was Minnijean kicked out of the school glee club? --

3. Based on the letter, what role do you think Daisy Bates and the NAACP played in the desegregation of Central High? --

4. If it weren't for the involvement of the local NAACP, how might the students' school experiences have been different? --

5. If you were Roy Wilkins, what advice would you give to Daisy Bates? --

6. On a separate piece of paper, write a brief letter to Daisy Bates as if you were one of the Little Rock Nine. Describe how you are adjusting to your new school.

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Using Primary Sources

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