Carlotta LaNier recalls her experience as a member of the Little Rock Nine for Colorado Children’s Campaign luncheon
Carlotta Walls LaNier, youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, shared her story of an act of courage that challenged prevailing attitudes, broke down barriers and forever changed the landscape of education in America.
Speaking at the annual luncheon of the Colorado Children’s Campaign, LaNier reminded the 800 guests that ordinary people can create extraordinary changes — if they act bravely when they know they are in the right.
“We have to be vigilant and give our kids every educational opportunity available to them,” she said. “This state has provided in the past and I want to continue to see that for my granddaughter.”
In 1957, Carlotta Walls volunteered as the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The 14-year-old and eight other black students faced angry mobs and violence for the opportunity at the same high-quality education as their white peers.
“I wanted what was inside those doors, and I had the right to it,” LaNier said of her desire to attend the highly ranked high school. “All kids really want to achieve and we need to help them along to do that.”
A nationally recognized education advocate and long-time Colorado resident, LaNier and her husband, Ike, raised their two children in the Denver area.
LaNier’s remarks at the luncheon, a fundraiser for the state’s leading voice for children, was conducted as a dialog between her and Chris Watney, president and chief executive officer of the Colorado Children’s Campaign.
Watney encouraged LaNier to explore her memories of the desegregation crisis and the impact it had on her, her family, her community and education in America.
“We have with us today someone who took the bravest stand possible for a good education, making an impact on every child in this country, for every generation to follow,” Watney said. “I think her story will help inspire me — and hopefully all of us –to try to be a little braver and ask the question: If she was willing as a 14-year-old in those circumstances to do what she did in pursuit of a great education, what are we willing to do now?”
The Piton Foundation was the luncheon’s presenting sponsor.
The Colorado Children’s Campaign is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and advocacy organization focused on improving the quality of and expanding access to child health, K-12 education and early childhood experiences.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, firstname.lastname@example.org and @joannedavidson on Twitter