Bates, Daisy

1914-99

African-American civil rights activist and newspaper proprietor

Bates' mother was murdered by white racists when she was a baby. Her father left to look for her and never returned, so she was adopted by his best friend. She was the prime mover in the famous integration of Central High School, Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957, when federal troops were sent to protect nine Black pupils, and acted as the children's adviser. She and her husband also established the Arkansas State Press weekly newspaper, published from 1941 to 1959.

References

Bates, Daisy. The Long Shadow of Little Rock: A Memoir. (Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 1987)
Irons, Peter. The Courage of Their Convictions: Sixteen Americans Who Fought Their Way to the Supreme Court. (New York: Penguin, 1990)
"Daisy Bates: Fighter for Desegregation," in: Great Women in the Struggle, edited by Toyomi Igus. (Orange: Just Us Books, 1991) (Book of Black Heroes; vol. 2)
"Transportation Secretary Slater on Integration Anniversary (World is Better Place Because of Events in Little Rock)." Formerly available at: http://www.usis.it/wireless/wf970917/97091733.htm

Indexes

African
USA
20th Century
Civil Rights, Advocacy
Journalism
Formal, American/European-Type Adoption
Birth or Infancy
Orphaned (Both Parents)
Family Friends or Acquaintances
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Parent(s) Died, Disappeared or Became Incapacitated