Carlotta Walls LaNier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carlotta Walls LaNier
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Walls LaNier in 2018
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Carlotta Walls
December 18, 1942 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
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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 American civil rights hero. She is famous for being the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine. This was a group of nine African-American teenagers who made history in 1957. They were the first black students to ever attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas.
Because of her bravery, Carlotta became the first black female student to graduate from Central High School. In 1999, she and the other members of the Little Rock Nine received the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest awards in the United States, from President Bill Clinton.
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A Brave Young Girl in Little Rock
Carlotta Walls was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Juanita and Cartelyou Walls. Her father was a brick mason and a veteran of World War II, and her mother was a secretary. Carlotta was the oldest of three daughters.
A major inspiration for Carlotta was Rosa Parks. In 1955, Parks famously refused to give up her bus seat to a white person, which helped start the Montgomery bus boycott. This act of courage inspired many people, including young Carlotta.
Choosing to Make a Difference
Before high school, Carlotta went to Dunbar Junior High, a school only for black students. At that time, many schools in the United States were segregated, meaning black and white students had to attend separate schools.
When she was ready for high school, her teacher asked if any students wanted to be among the first African-Americans to go to the all-white Central High School. Carlotta immediately raised her hand and signed up. Her parents didn't even know she had registered until a card arrived in the mail.
Facing Danger at Home
On February 9, 1960, someone bombed Carlotta's home. The explosion was so powerful that it blew out bricks and windows and could be heard two miles away. Thankfully, Carlotta, her mother, and her sisters were not hurt. Even though this was a terrifying event meant to scare her, Carlotta refused to quit. She bravely continued to go to school.
The Fight to Desegregate Central High
On September 4, 1957, the Little Rock Nine tried to enter Central High for the first time. However, the governor of Arkansas ordered the Arkansas National Guard to block them. A large, angry mob also gathered to stop them from going inside.
A few weeks later, on September 23, they tried again, but a mob of about 1,000 people surrounded the school. The situation was so serious that the next day, President Dwight D. Eisenhower stepped in. He sent U.S. soldiers to protect the students and walk them to their classes. The soldiers stayed at the school for the entire year to keep them safe.
Strength and Success in School
Life inside the school was very difficult. Carlotta and the other black students were often bullied by some of the white students. Despite this, Carlotta showed incredible strength. She never retaliated and focused on her studies, becoming an honor roll student. She knew that her presence at the school was important for the future of all students.
In 1958, the city of Little Rock closed all its high schools for a year to try to stop desegregation. This year is often called "The Lost Year." But Carlotta did not give up. When the schools reopened in 1959, she returned to Central High and successfully graduated in 1960.
For their courage, Carlotta and the Little Rock Nine were awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1958 by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
College and Career
After graduating, Carlotta attended Michigan State University. Later, her family moved to Denver, Colorado, and she finished her degree at what is now the University of Northern Colorado.
In 1977, she started her own successful real estate company called LaNier and Company. For over 30 years, she has worked as a real estate professional. She married Ira LaNier in 1968, and they have two children and two grandchildren.
Carlotta has continued to be a leader in her community. She served as the president of the Little Rock Nine Foundation, which helps make sure all students have equal access to 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.
