Woodrow Wilson Mann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Woodrow Wilson Mann
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|---|---|
| 53rd Mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas | |
| In office January 1, 1956 – December 31, 1957 |
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| Preceded by | Pratt C. Remmel |
| Succeeded by | Werner C. Knoop |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 13, 1916 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | August 6, 2002 (aged 85) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Memorial Oaks Cemetery Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Beverly Mann |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois |
| Occupation | Insurance agent |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Woodrow Wilson Mann (born November 13, 1916 – died August 6, 2002) was an important American politician. He served as the mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, which is the capital city of the state. He was mayor from 1956 to 1957.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Woodrow Wilson Mann was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in this city. Later, he went to college at the University of Illinois.
During World War II, Mann joined the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Ocean area. He was even part of the team for Admiral Chester Nimitz, a very important naval leader. After the war, he came back home. He then started his own business as an insurance agent.
Becoming Mayor of Little Rock
Woodrow Mann was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1955, he ran for mayor of Little Rock. He won the election against the current mayor, Pratt C. Remmel. Mayor Remmel was a Republican and had served two terms. Woodrow Mann officially became mayor on January 1, 1956.
The Little Rock Nine Event
One of the most important events during Mayor Mann's time was the Little Rock Nine case. This happened in 1957, near the end of his term. It was about ending segregation in schools. Segregation meant that Black and white students went to separate schools.
Nine African American students tried to enter Little Rock Central High School. But the Governor of Arkansas, Orval Faubus, ordered the National Guard to stop them. He wanted to keep the schools segregated.
Mayor Mann was very upset by this decision. He believed the students should be allowed to attend the school. He quickly sent a message to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In his message, he asked the President to send federal troops to Little Rock. These troops would help make sure the students could safely enter the school.
President Eisenhower agreed with Mayor Mann. Soon after, he sent federal troops to Little Rock. These troops helped to protect the Little Rock Nine students. They made sure the students could go to Central High School. This was a big step in the fight for equal rights in education.
Life After Being Mayor
After his term as mayor ended, Woodrow Mann moved to Houston, Texas, in 1960. He lived there for many years. He passed away in 2002. He is buried in Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.
