Melba Patillo Beals

1. Melba Patillo Beals

2. Vocabulary Segregation- separation of black and whites Negro- a black person Unconstitutional- not in accordance with a political constitutional or with procedural rules

3. Birth Melba was born on Pearl Harbor Day she almost died when she was born she lived in Little Rock, Arkansas

4. Melba’s Family Melba lived with her mother, grandmother, father, and brother. Her grandmother was very religious and she trusted the Lord would take care of her family. Her dad worked in a railroad company Her mom was a teacher, she was also one of the first black students to graduate from college at the University of Arkansas in 1954 Her brother Conrad, became the first black U.S Marshal in Arkansa When Melba was 7 years old her parents divorced

5. Jim Crow Laws Melba lived in a state that encouraged segregation Blacks were not allowed to use the same drinking fountains, restrooms, and restaurants. They also were often abused verbally, physically, and sexually. They were often called “ Negros”

6. Little Rock Nine Melba was one of the 14 children that volunteered to go to Central High, only 9 were chosen. On the first day of school a mob occurred. While attending school here a white student threw acid into her eyes and nearly blinded her. In the summer of 1959 Governor Faubus shut down Central High, and declared it unconstitutional.

7. Melba’s Quotes “I continue to be a warrior who does not cry but who instead takes action” “If one person is denied equality, we are all denied equality”

8. Melba Beals wrote two books called “Warriors Don’t Cry” & “Write is a state of mind”.

9. God was with Melba through all of her ups and downs.