Celebrate Daisy Bates Day
Daisy Bates, one of Arkansas' most revered civil rights activists, will be honored February 21 at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.
The late Mrs. Bates was steadfast in her support for The Little Rock Nine. She and her husband, L.C. Bates, started the Arkansas State Press in 1942, and the newspaper quickly became a voice for the rights of black citizens in our state.
Daisy also served as president of the Arkansas branch of the NAACP, worked on anti-poverty programs for President Lyndon Johnson's administration, and worked for the Democratic National Committee.
The third Monday in February has been established as an official state holiday: George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day. She has been honored also by having The Daisy Bates Elementary School named for her. The event is free. For additional information, call 374-1957.
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