In case you missed it — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today spoke at the unveiling of the Daisy Bates statue in the U.S. Capitol.
Bates was an Arkansan civil rights activist, publisher, journalist, and lecturer who organized the Little Rock Nine in 1957 and spoke during the March on Washington in 1963. She died on November 4, 1999, and Arkansas named the third Monday in February, Daisy Gatson Bates Day. She was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1999.
In part, Senator Cotton said:
“Daisy Bates started from humble beginnings, the orphan of a murdered mother and an absent father. And she grew up in a segregated society that discriminated against her simply for the color of her skin.
“Even as a young girl, Daisy refused to accept this injustice because it betrayed America’s foundational promise and was an affront to God; under Him, all men are created equal. She crusaded against segregation, enduring harassment and even death threats.”
Senator Cotton’s full remarks may be found below. Video of the ceremony may be found here.
Thank you all for joining us here on this very special occasion. It’s a privilege to honor Daisy Bates, an extraordinary Arkansan and civil-rights legend. This statue signifies her singular contribution to justice and fairness in our state and in our nation. I also want to thank the Arkansas Statuary Hall Steering Committee for their work to organize this event.
And I want to recognize the Little Rock Nine, whom Daisy Bates so ably led. Their bravery and grace in the face of injustice captivated a nation sixty-seven years ago and has inspired generations of Americans ever since.
Daisy Bates started from humble beginnings, the orphan of a murdered mother and an absent father. And she grew up in a segregated society that discriminated against her simply for the color of her skin.
Even as a young girl, Daisy refused to accept this injustice because it betrayed America’s foundational promise and was an affront to God; under Him, all men are created equal. She crusaded against segregation, enduring harassment and even death threats.
She stepped into the history books with the Little Rock Nine. Angry mobs tried to intimidate them, and the governor tried to stop them with the National Guard. President Eisenhower nationalized the Guard and sent in the 101st Airborne to protect and defend them. Daisy inspired those courageous students and showed the world the justice and dignity of their cause.
Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine made Arkansas proud—after all, the story of Arkansas isn’t the story of the politicians who tried to stop them. They have no statues in this hall. The story of Arkansas is the story of men and women with grace and grit and determination and a passion for justice, like Daisy Bates.
She continued to crusade for civil rights throughout her life. She was the only woman to speak at the March on Washington in 1963. She joined the Johnson administration to battle poverty and remained a passionate activist until her death in 1999.
Daisy Bates was a great Arkansan who reflected the very best of our state. She earned her place in this hall that commemorates some of our nation’s finest citizens. Thank you, and God bless you.