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On February 19, we honor a poignant figure in American civil rights history during Daisy Gatson Bates Day. On this day, we commemorate and celebrate the life and mission of the brave human rights champion, Daisy Gatson Bates. Born in 1914 in Huttig, Arkansas, Bates was a driving force in the historic integration of public schools in the city of Little Rock, in the Harrison v. South Pinellas Board of Education case in 1954. This day is not only a tribute to Bates herself, but also a reminder of the power of continued struggle for equality in education and beyond. Let's remember and rejoice in Daisy Gatson Bates' contributions, and renew our own commitment to fight for justice!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1914</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Daisy Bates</div><div class='timeline-text'>Daisy Gatson Bates, a significant figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, was born in Huttig, Arkansas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bates Moves to Little Rock</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bates and her husband moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where they operated a weekly African-American newspaper, the Arkansas State Press.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1954</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Integration Lawsuit Victory</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bates played a crucial role in the integration lawsuit, Harrison v. South Pinellas Board of Education, challenging segregation in public schools.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1957</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Little Rock Nine's School Integration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bates guided the nine African-American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, during their attempt to integrate Central High School in Little Rock.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Publication of her Autobiography</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bates' autobiography, "The Long Shadow of Little Rock," wins the National Book Award for nonfiction and is reissued on its 30th anniversary.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Daisy Gatson Bates Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The state of Arkansas officially established Daisy Gatson Bates Day as a state holiday, to be celebrated on the third Monday in February.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn and teach others about Daisy Gatson Bates</h3><p class='facts-text'>As a parent, teacher, or student, use this day to learn about Daisy Bates' immense contributions to civil rights and education. Share what you've learned with others around you to cultivate an understanding and appreciation for her work.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to civil rights and education causes</h3><p class='facts-text'>Daisy Bates dedicated her life to fighting for civil rights and equal education. Celebrate her memory by donating to civil rights or education organizations that continue her legacy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in a march or rally for educational equality</h3><p class='facts-text'>Around Daisy Gatson Bates Day, some communities organize marches and rallies to honor her cause. Show your support by joining in and advocating for equal access to quality education.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Read books about the civil rights movement</h3><p class='facts-text'>To get a more in-depth understanding of the struggle for civil rights and education equality, read books that discuss these topics. You can also read books written by Daisy Bates herself to gain a first-person perspective on events.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to highlight the contributions of Daisy Bates and celebrate her work. Use hashtags related to education rights, civil rights, and Daisy Gatson Bates Day to join the wider online conversation.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors Daisy Bates' significant contribution to civil rights</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Daisy Gatson Bates played a crucial role in integrating public schools in Little Rock, a landmark event in the American civil rights movement. Honoring her on this day is a way of acknowledging the immense courage and resilience she displayed in her fight for equality.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about the importance of education equality</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Honor Daisy Gatson Bates Day also serves as a reminder of the critical importance of access to quality education for all. It presents an opportunity to advocate for education equality, a cause that Bates dedicated her life to.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages action towards racial justice</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, many communities organize marches, rallies, and other events to honor Bates's legacy and continue her fight for civil rights. It's a wonderful opportunity to engage in these initiatives, learn more about the civil rights movement, and take active steps towards achieving racial justice.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The NAACP Recognized Bates’ Work</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1957, Daisy Gatson Bates was recognized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) with the Spingarn Medal, their highest honor, due to her tenacity in advocating for the Little Rock Nine.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bates’ Home is Now a National Historic Landmark</h3><p class='facts-content'>Daisy Gatson Bates’ home in Little Rock is recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service due to her significant role in the civil rights movement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bates is Honored in the Arkansas State Capitol</h3><p class='facts-content'>Daisy Gatson Bates has a day dedicated to her on the same calendar day as George Washington’s Birthday/Presidents Day. She also has a statue on the grounds of the Arkansas State capitol and is the only female represented among statues.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Daisy Bates Elementary School in Little Rock Honors Her Legacy</h3><p class='facts-content'>In honor of Daisy Gatson Bates’ lifelong commitment to education, an elementary school in Little Rock was named after her. The Daisy Bates Elementary School stands as a testament to her relentless fight for education equality.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Posthumous Medal of Freedom</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1999, almost a decade after her passing, Bates was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. It acknowledges her tireless work in desegregating schools in Little Rock.</p></div></div>
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