Carlotta Walls LaNier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carlotta Walls LaNier
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Carlotta Walls LaNier in 2018
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Carlotta Walls
December 18, 1942 Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
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| Known for | The youngest of the Little Rock Nine |
| Awards | Spingarn Medal, Congressional Gold Medal, Pierre Marquette Award |
Carlotta Walls LaNier (born December 18, 1942) is an important American civil rights activist. She was the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine. This was a group of nine brave African-American students. In 1957, they were the first black students to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Carlotta was also the first black girl to graduate from Central High School. In 1999, she and the other Little Rock Nine members received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is a very high honor given by the United States Congress. Carlotta Walls LaNier has been recognized for her courage many times. She was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 2004. She also joined the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2015.
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Carlotta's Early Life and Courageous Choice
Carlotta Walls LaNier was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her parents were Juanita and Cartelyou Walls. Her father was a brick mason and a World War II veteran. Her mother worked as a secretary. Carlotta was the oldest of three sisters.
She was inspired by Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks bravely refused to give up her bus seat in 1955. Carlotta first went to Dunbar Junior High School. This school was only for black students because of segregation. Segregation meant that black and white people were kept separate. After junior high, Carlotta decided to volunteer. She wanted to be one of the first African-Americans to attend Central High School.
Carlotta learned about the chance to go to Central High from her teacher. Her teacher asked if anyone was interested. Carlotta quickly signed up. Her parents did not know she had enrolled until the registration card arrived in the mail.
Facing Challenges at Home
On February 9, 1960, Carlotta's home was attacked. Two sticks of dynamite were placed on her house. The explosion caused a lot of damage. It removed bricks and broke three windows. The sound could be heard from two miles away. Carlotta was home with her mother and sisters. Luckily, no one was hurt. This was the first bombing aimed at one of the Little Rock Nine students. Despite this scary event, Carlotta bravely continued to attend the school.
The Fight for Equal Schools
On September 4, 1957, the Little Rock Nine tried to enter Central High School. The school had been segregated, meaning only white students could go there. The governor of Arkansas ordered the Arkansas National Guard to stop them. A large, angry crowd of about 400 people also blocked their way. The students could not get in.
On September 23, 1957, the students tried again. About 1,000 people surrounded the school. The next day, President Dwight D. Eisenhower took action. He took control of the Arkansas National Guard from the governor. He also sent soldiers to protect the students. These soldiers walked with the students to school. They stayed at the school for the whole year. However, they could not stop all the mean things that happened to the students inside the school.
Carlotta's Strength and Success
Carlotta faced constant bullying from some white students. They called her names, spat on her, and knocked her over. But Carlotta never cried or fought back. She stayed strong. She knew she had to be a good example. Her goal was to help make all schools equal for everyone. During her time at Central High, Carlotta was an honor roll student.
In 1958, Carlotta and the Little Rock Nine received the Spingarn Medal. This award came from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Because of the crisis, all high schools in Little Rock were closed for a year. But Carlotta returned to Central High in 1959. She proudly graduated in 1960.
Life After High School
After graduating from Central High in 1960, Carlotta went to Michigan State University. She studied there for two years. However, her father had trouble finding work because of the events at the school. So, her family moved to Denver, Colorado.
Carlotta then graduated from Colorado State College. Today, this school is called the University of Northern Colorado. She started working at the YWCA. She helped create programs for teenagers. Later, in 1977, she started her own company. It was a real estate brokerage company called LaNier and Company.
Carlotta Walls LaNier has worked as a professional real estate broker for over 30 years. She has also been a member of many important groups. These include the Colorado Aids Project, Jack and Jill of America, The Urban League, and the NAACP. She was also the president of the Little Rock Nine Foundation. This organization works to make sure all students, especially African American students, have equal chances to get a good education.
Writings
- A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School. With Lisa Frazier Page. OneWorld/Ballantine, 2009, ISBN: 034551100X.
