Born: December 18, 1942 (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Biography:
Carlotta Walls LaNier (née Walls; born December 18, 1942) is a prominent figure in American history as the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine. In 1957, she and eight other African-American students broke racial barriers by becoming the first black students to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. LaNier’s determination and resilience in the face of intense opposition paved the way for future generations of African-Americans to access quality education.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Carlotta Walls LaNier was the daughter of Juanita and Cartelyou Walls. Her father, a brick mason and World War II veteran, unfortunately passed away from leukemia in 1976, leaving a lasting impact on his daughter’s life. Juanita held a job as a secretary in the Office of Public Housing. Growing up, LaNier witnessed her parents’ strength and resilience, which would later inspire her own battle for equal rights.
LaNier first attended Dunbar Junior High School, a segregated institution in Little Rock. Despite the limitations imposed on her due to racial segregation, she excelled academically. In 1955, she found inspiration in Rosa Parks’ courageous stand against segregation on a Montgomery bus. LaNier’s determination was further fueled when she learned about the opportunity to attend Central High School, a historically white institution. With the support of her homeroom teacher, LaNier enrolled in Central, surprising her parents when the registration card arrived in the mail.
The path to desegregation was far from easy. On February 9, 1960, LaNier’s home was targeted in a bomb attack. Two sticks of dynamite were placed on her house, resulting in significant damage. Miraculously, no one was harmed in the explosion. The bombing marked the first direct attack on one of the Little Rock Nine, illustrating the extreme measures some individuals were willing to take to resist desegregation. Despite the danger, LaNier’s resolve remained unshaken, and she continued attending Central High School.
The historic events of September 1957, known as the Central High School Crisis, tested the courage and mettle of LaNier and her fellow African-American students. On September 4, an attempt was made by the Little Rock Nine to enter Central High School. However, they were met with the Arkansas National Guard and an angry mob of approximately 400 individuals, preventing them from accessing their education. The scene repeated itself on September 23, when a larger mob of around 1000 people surrounded the school again. This second encounter only intensified the national spotlight on the injustice of segregation and the bravery of the Little Rock Nine.
While LaNier faced unimaginable challenges, her determination and strength of character led her to make a significant impact on American society. On May 25, 1959, she became the first black female to graduate from Little Rock Central High School. Her graduation represented a monumental victory for civil rights and inspired countless individuals who were fighting against racial discrimination.
LaNier’s contributions have been widely recognized and honored. In 1999, she and the rest of the Little Rock Nine received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by the United States Congress. This distinguished recognition highlighted the immense significance of the bravery and sacrifices made by these nine individuals in advancing civil rights. In 2004, LaNier was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact beyond the boundaries of her home state. Additionally, in 2015, she was honored with induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, further solidifying her place among the most influential women in American history.
Carlotta Walls LaNier’s remarkable journey as a trailblazer for equal education has left an indelible mark on women’s history, civil rights, and American society. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality in the face of adversity has inspired generations to follow in her footsteps. Today, LaNier resides in Englewood, Colorado, and continues to advocate for equal opportunities and social progress. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of one individual to spark change and reshape society for the better.
Awards:
– Congressional Gold Medal (1999)
– Induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (2004)
– Induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (2015)