Daisy Bates was a Civil Rights activist, a publisher, journalist, and lecturer. Being devoted in obtaining equal right for colored people, her people, Daisy played a leading role in the Little Rock Integration Crisis of 1957. And in 1952, Daisy Bates was elected president of the Arkansas Conference of NAACP branches. After moving to Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband, Lucius Christopher Bates, the Bates started a newspaper named the “Arkansas State Press.” The paper became a voice for equal rights/Civil Rights even before a nationally recognized movement had emerged. Daisy Bates was later recognized as co-publisher of the paper. She joined the NAACP and became president of The Arkansas Conference of Branches in 1952. Playing such a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, there were threats put upon Daisy Bates’ life by the KKK. As the leader of the NAACP branch in Arkansas, Bates guided and advised the nine students, known as the Little Rock Nine, when they attempted to enroll in 1957 at Little Rock Central High School, a previously all-white institution. It was her plan that was used to get the children in and out of the school. She instructed to use ministers to escort the children into the school, two in front of the children and two behind. Later in life, Daisy Bates moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for the Democratic National Committee. She also served in the administration of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson working on anti-poverty programs.
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Church Affiliation:Bethal AME Church
Role in the Movement:Daisy Bates was a Civil Rights activist, a publisher, journalist, and lecturer who played a leading role in the Little Rock Integration Crisis of 1957.
Birth Place:Huttig, AR
Born Date:November 11, 1914
Deceased Date:November 4, 1999
Place Lived as Adult:Little Rock, AR
Church Location:Little Rock, AR