State Historical Society of Iowa

Daisy Bates’ Letter about "Little Rock Nine," December 17, 1957

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, Bates, Daisy, NAACP Records, December 17, 1957

Description

Daisy Bates, civil rights activist, journalist and lecturer, wrote a letter on December 17, 1957, to then-NAACP Executive Secretary Roy Wilkins. The letter focused on the treatment of the nine African-American children, known as the "Little Rock Nine" at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. These students were the first to be enrolled at the school after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to segregate public schools. She describes how the treatment of the children by peers, educators and protestors was getting steadily worse, and they have endured a number of abuses, such as being spit on, kicked and heckled. 

Transcript of Daisy Bates' Letter

Source-Dependent Questions

  • What kind of treatment is the "Little Rock Nine" experiencing from other students in the school? From teachers, administrators and officials?
  • How did the NAACP support journalist Daisy Bates and the "Little Rock Nine?"

Citation Information

Bates, Daisy, NAACP Records, December 17, 1957.  Courtesy of Library of Congress