The Little Rock Crisis What Desegregation Politics Says About Us

The Little Rock Crisis describes the power of direct and learned memories of the 1957 desegregation crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas. Personal, dramatic experiences of Little Rockians – known and unknown – reflect on the impact of the crisis on their lives in the 21st century. Linking individual memories to collective action through the lens of social appropriation, the book explores how the crisis has impacted the political behavior of Little Rockians. Oral histories and survey research show how the events from the tumultuous 1950s in Little Rock school politics, inform and direct the national political engagement and local community involvement of diverse residents.

Ravi K. Perry is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Mississippi State University, USA. His previous books include 21st Century Urban Race Politics: Representing Minorities as Universal Interests (Editor) and Black Mayors, White Majorities: The Balancing Act of Racial Politics.

D. LaRouth Perry, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, is an independent scholar, who holds a Ph.D. in American Culture from Bowling Green State University.

1. Introduction: A Meeting of Histories
PART I: IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS AND INTERESTS IN THE LITTLE ROCK ERA OF SCHOOL INTEGRATION
2. Perceptions on Relations: Black and White Views on Race
3. A Life of Courage: Attitudes and Motivations of Mrs. Daisy Bates' Leadership
4. Sacrifice: Profiles of The Little Rock Nine
5. Duty To Re-Election: Governor Orval Faubus' and Political Racism
6. Acquiescence: School Leadership Reluctance on Brown
7. Redemption of (Their) History: Voices of Active Segregationists
8 A Chance at Forgiveness for Little Rock: Media Coverage of Central's Integration
PART II: CONTEMPORARY PROCEEDS: TELLING THE STORY
9. Witnessing the Crisis at 40: Presidential Influence and Black Perspectives on Progress
10. Personal Stories: Little Rockians' Oral Histories of the Crisis
11. Impact: Examining the Post-Crisis Political Behavior of Little Rockians
12. Us and the Crisis City: Engagement with Community for Improved Democracy