9781137410993 (hardback)

113741099X (hardback)

"The Little Rock Crisis describes the power of direct and learned memories of the 1957 desegregation crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas. Personal, dramatic experiences of Little Rockians - known and unknown - reflect on the impact of the crisis on their lives in the 21st century. Linking individual memories to collective action through the lens of social appropriation, the book explores how the crisis has impacted the political behavior of Little Rockians. Oral histories and survey research show how the events from the tumultuous 1950s in Little Rock school politics, inform and direct the national political engagement and local community involvement of diverse residents. Their commitment to political and social participation is linked to their crisis experience"-- Provided by publisher.

"This book frames the story of the Little Rock 1957 desegregation crisis through the lens of memory. Over time, those memories - individual and collective - have motivated Little Rockians for social and political action and engagement"-- Provided by publisher.

Introduction: A Meeting of Histories

Part I. Ideas, Institutions, and Interests in the Little Rock Era of School Integration: 1. Perceptions: Black and White Views on Race Relations; 2. A Life of Courage: Mrs. Daisy Bates' Motivations and Leadership; 3. Sacrifice: Profiles of The Little Rock Nine; 4. Duty To Re-election: Governor Orval Faubus and Political Racism; 5. Acquiescence: School Leadership Reluctance on Brown; 6. Redemption of (Their) History: Voices of Active Segregationists; 7 A Chance at Forgiveness for Little Rock: Media Coverage of Central High's Integration

Part II. Contemporary Proceeds: Telling the Story: 8. Witnessing the Crisis at Forty: Reflections of D. LaRouth Perry; 9. Personal Stories: Little Rockians' Oral Histories of the Crisis; 10. Impact: Examining the Post-Crisis Political Behavior of Little Rockians; 11. Us and the Crisis City: Engagement with Community for Improved Democracy.

Central High School (Little Rock, Ark.) > History.

School integration > Arkansas > Little Rock > History > 20th century.

African American students > Arkansas > Little Rock > History > 20th century.

Collective memory > Arkansas > Little Rock.

Little Rock (Ark.) > Race relations.