Daisy Bates: Civil Rights Crusader from Arkansas (Margaret Walker Alexander Series in African American Studies)

"Daisy Bates: Civil Rights Crusader from Arkansas" delves deep into the life of Daisy Bates, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, whose mentorship of the Little Rock Nine marked a defining moment in American history. Published on April 9, 2012, as part of the Margaret Walker Alexander Series in African American Studies, this biography sheds light on Bates's journey from an orphan in Huttig, Arkansas, to becoming a national icon of racial justice, education equity, and voting rights. Grif Stockley uses a wealth of resources, including interviews and archival records, to portray Bates not just as the celebrated mentor during the 1957 Central High School integration crisis, but also as a persistent activist working alongside presidents and grassroots initiatives well into the 1960s and beyond. With her story often overshadowed in scholarly works, this book highlights Bates's multifaceted role and relentless advocacy which earned her a place as the only woman speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. Middle school readers will find inspiration in Bates’s resilience and dedication, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex battles fought in the pursuit of equality and justice.