10735• v •
RESOLUTION NO. 10,735
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE PROCESS TO
RENAME A PUBLIC STREET IN HONOR OF DAISY L.
GATSON BATES.
718
WHEREAS, the City of Little Rock, the State of Arkansas and the entire nation lost a
bright, shining example of human courage and dignity with the passing of Mrs. Daisy L.
Gatson Bates on November 4, 1999; and
WHEREAS, she was thrust onto the international scene for her role in the 1957
desegregation of Little Rock Central High School where she served as a mentor to the Little
Rock Nine; and
WHEREAS, during the 1957 desegregation crisis Mrs. Bates was president of the
Arkansas State Conference of Branches of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People and was co- publisher of the Arkansas State Press along with her husband,
Mr. L. C. Bates; and
WHEREAS, in 1997 our City, State and Nation was able to pay tribute to Mrs. Bates
and the Little Rock Nine for their heroism during the 1957 Crisis; and
WHEREAS, we are unlikely in our lifetime to see another lady with more poise,
grace, human dignity and courage; and
WHEREAS, Daisy L. Gatson Bates identified with various institutional families such
as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Delta Sigma Theta and
various other organizations with a youth- oriented program focus; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bates truly believed in participatory democracy, and in economic
security for our entire community; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bates always believed that education is the great equalizer; and
WHEREAS, Central High School, the international forum of Mrs. Bates greatest
stand for all the things in which she believed, is located at Fourteenth and Park Street; and
WHEREAS, Fourteenth Street intersects a notable street such as Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Drive; and
WHEREAS, an ad hoc committee has recommended the renaming of Fourteenth
Street from its intersection at Commerce to the east and Woodrow to the west.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: 719
SECTION 1. The City of Little Rock supports the renaming of a public street in
honor of Daisy L. Gatson Bates.
SECTION 2. The City Manager is directed in coordination with the Daisy L. Gatson
Bates Memorial Committee to begin the street renaming public process.
ADOPTED: December 20, 1999
ATTEST:
Robbie Hancock, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Thomas M. Carpenter
City Attorney
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J' alley, Mayor