By Ms. Fordham and Miss Moore’s

First Grade Class

Portrait by Landry Portrait by Clara

Daisy Bates grew up in a small town in Arkansas. She noticed that the white schools had better desks, books, and supplies. That made her angry.

Ronnie

As Daisy grew up, her father taught her to use her anger in a helpful way by making the world a better place.

Isabela

In 1941 Daisy married L.C. Bates. Together they wanted to make the world a better place for African Americans. To help them do this, they started a newspaper called The Arkansas State Press.

Marcelle

From her newspaper reporting, Daisy became a civil rights worker. She reported on stories about African Americans who were being treated unfairly.

Andrew

In 1954 the Supreme Court said that it was against the law to separate black students from white students in schools. Daisy decided to help African-American children get a better education.

Harrison

In 1957 Daisy Bates took 9 black students to Central High School in Little Rock. That first day they were called many bad names and not allowed in. Daisy did not let this stop her.

Cali

These students became known as the Little Rock 9. The governor did not want to let these students into Central High School.

Michael

But Daisy would not be stopped. The next day she went back to the school with the 9 students. Again they were sent home.

Dylan

The third time she brought the students to school they were allowed in because the President had sent troops to protect the students and make sure they were let in.

Christiana

These 9 students were very brave. Every day they had to face people who did not want them at the school. Daisy helped them to be strong.

Jack

By helping these students, she made many people angry with her.

Isabella

One night a rock was thrown through her living room window. A very mean note was attached to the rock.

Dana

This did not stop Daisy either. She still would bring black students to white schools. If the students were not let in, she would write a story in her newspaper.

Rachel

In 1963, Daisy Bates was the only woman to speak at the famous March on Washington.

Ryan

When she was 75 years old, she said, “I’m not too tired to stand and do what I can for the cause I believe in.”

Massena

Daisy Bates died on November 4, 1999. She was 84 years old.

Zachary

President Obama said that the Little Rock 9’s courage helped make the opportunities in his life possible.

Alex

President Obama invited the Little Rock 9 to his inauguration last month. Seven of the 9 were able to attend.

Alex

http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/bates_d.htm

http://www.picturehistory.com/

Daisy, L.C. & Little Rock 9

Daisy Bates

Seven of the Little Rock 9At President Obama’s inauguration