Arkansas: Honoring Civil Rights History in a Polarized World
Arkansas boasts a rich history of civil rights, yet it often grapples with fully embracing it.
A Bold Move in 1968
In 1968, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller made a bold statement. He held a public memorial for Martin Luther King Jr., becoming the only Southern governor to do so. This act of unity was powerful, showcasing the state's commitment to civil rights.
Steps Forward
Renaming a Holiday: Arkansas removed Robert E. Lee's name from a holiday honoring King. This was a significant move, signaling the state's readiness to leave its Confederate past behind. Governor Asa Hutchinson played a pivotal role, pushing for the legislation and testifying in favor of it.
Honoring Heroes: The state replaced a statue in the U.S. Capitol with one of Daisy Bates, a civil rights leader who aided the Little Rock Nine. This step underscored Arkansas' commitment to celebrating its civil rights heroes.
Setbacks and Challenges
Despite progress, Arkansas has faced setbacks:
- Confederate Symbols: Efforts to remove Confederate symbols from the state flag failed.
- Confederate Flag Day: A proposal to end Confederate Flag Day didn't make it through the Senate.
These failures indicate that Arkansas still has a long way to go.
Political Climate
The political climate isn't aiding progress:
- President Donald Trump has defended Confederate symbols.
- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has echoed similar rhetoric, signing a law banning critical race theory in schools. This has sparked legal battles and criticism from civil rights groups.
Urgency and Legacy
Time is of the essence. Many civil rights leaders are no longer with us. Next year marks 70 years since the Little Rock desegregation crisis. It may be one of the last opportunities to commemorate this event with most of the Little Rock Nine still alive.
The Path Forward
Arkansas must find a way to honor its civil rights history. It should elevate its heroes and acknowledge its past. This is the true test of patriotism—not about echoing talking points, but about embracing a full and honest history.
