WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, a significant moment took place in the US Capitol as a statue of civil rights activist Daisy Bates was unveiled in Statutory Hall. Among the distinguished guests present were Representative Jeff Wardlaw, along with his wife Missy Wardlaw, Former Mayor Bryan Martin, and Dr. Sue Martin.
Representative Wardlaw played a pivotal role in this historic event by sponsoring the bill in the Arkansas Legislature that led to the placement of both Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash statues in Statutory Hall. He emphasized the importance of updating representation, stating that after 100 years, times have changed, and new representation was needed. The inclusion of Bates and Cash symbolizes Arkansas moving forward with icons from South Arkansas, representing civil rights activism and cultural legacy.
Dr. Sue Martin, who attended the unveiling, holds a significant connection to Daisy Bates as she served as the principal of Daisy Bates Elementary School in Little Rock.
The unveiling of the Daisy Bates statue stands as a tribute to her enduring legacy as a civil rights leader and educator, further enriching the diverse tapestry of voices represented in Statutory Hall.
Daisy Bates, born on November 11, 1914, in Huttig, Arkansas, was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. She played a crucial role in the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957, guiding and protecting the “Little Rock Nine” during their tumultuous entry into the previously all-white school. Bates, along with her husband L.C. Bates, also co-published the Arkansas State Press, a newspaper that advocated for civil rights and social justice issues. Her tireless activism and leadership earned her national recognition, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded posthumously in 1989. Daisy Bates’s legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the courage and resilience needed to bring about positive change in society.