Gloria Ray Karlmark facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gloria Ray Karlmark
Born	September 26, 1942 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Education	Illinois Institute of Technology (B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics, 1965)
Occupation	Chemist, Educator, Activist
Known for	Member of the Little Rock Nine
Spouse(s)	Krister Karlmark (m. 1966)
Children	2
Awards	Congressional Gold Medal (1999)

Gloria Cecelia Ray Karlmark (born September 26, 1942) is a brave American activist. She is famous for being one of the Little Rock Nine. These were nine African-American students who helped end segregation at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. Segregation meant that Black and white students were kept apart. Gloria and her friends helped make schools fair for everyone.

When she was 15, Gloria tried to enter Central High. But the Arkansas National Guard, ordered by Governor Orval Faubus, stopped her. He did not want Black and white students to learn together. Weeks later, federal troops came to protect Gloria and the other students, allowing them to finally enter the school.

A Champion for Equality

Gloria Ray Karlmark played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Her actions, along with the other Little Rock Nine students, showed the world the challenges of ending segregation. They faced angry crowds and unfair treatment. Their courage helped change laws and attitudes across the United States.

The Little Rock Nine's Brave Stand

In 1957, Gloria was one of three children of Harvey C. and Julia Miller Ray. She was chosen to be part of the Little Rock Nine. This group was the first to integrate Central High School. This was a very important step in the fight for equal rights for all Americans.

Their first attempt to enter the school was met with resistance. Governor Orval Faubus used the National Guard to block them. This event gained national attention. It showed how difficult it was to end segregation.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower then sent federal troops to Little Rock. These soldiers protected the students as they entered the school. This allowed Gloria and the others to attend classes. Their bravery helped pave the way for more equal opportunities in education.

Education and Career

After her time at Central High, Gloria continued her education. She showed a strong interest in science and math.

College and Early Work

In 1965, Gloria graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She earned a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. After college, she worked as a public school teacher for a short time. She also worked as a research assistant at the University of Chicago Research Medical Center.

Life and Work Abroad

Gloria married Krister Karlmark in 1966. In 1970, she moved to Stockholm, Sweden. There, she joined International Business Machine's (IBM) Nordic Laboratory. She worked as a systems analyst and a technical writer.

She also helped start a journal called Computers in Industry in 1976. She was the main editor of this journal until 1991. Later, she became a patent attorney in Sweden. From 1977 to 1981, she worked for IBM International Patent Operations. In 1994, Gloria moved to the Netherlands. She worked for Philips Telecommunications and later for Philips Lighting. She and her husband have two children.

Awards and Recognition

Gloria Ray Karlmark has received many honors for her courage and contributions.

National Recognition

In 1958, Gloria and the Little Rock Nine received the Spingarn Medal. This award is given by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It recognizes outstanding achievements by an African American.

In 1998, Gloria and the other members of the Little Rock Nine were given the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. It recognized their "selfless heroism" in the fight for civil rights.

Continuing Legacy

In 2019, Gloria received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology. This award honored her great work in creating a more fair and inclusive society. Gloria has shared her concerns about racism in the United States. She now lives in Sweden and the Netherlands.