Conner: Arkansas Heroes Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine started the civil rights movement before MLK

Conner for Arkansas


Friend --

All month long, we have been celebrating Black History Month -- a time we use to both reflect on the progress our state and nation have made and to recommit ourselves to continuing that fight.

This year marks almost 60 years since the integration of Arkansas's public schools. Little Rock Central set the stage for us to grow as a state and country. Heroes like Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine showed us that you don't need to be a senator or politician to make a difference.

There are countless Arkansans who have had pivotal roles in black history and, therein, American history. These are folks who often go unrecognized but deserve our upmost gratitude and highest acknowledgment. For instance, in November of last year, Arkansas and America lost a true patriot and hero with the passing of Milton Pitts Crenchaw. A Little Rock native, Crenchaw was among the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen instructors from World War II.

Conner and Mary Elizabeth speak with members of the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus
Conner and Mary Elizabeth speak with members of the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus

He was also one of the first African Americans in the country to be trained by the federal government as a civilian-licensed pilot. For over 40 years, he served our country with the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. In 2007, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush and was admitted to the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.

Stories like Daisy Bates, the Little Rock Nine and Milton Pitts Crenchaw show us there is a multitude of ways to serve your community and your country. Stories like theirs have inspired my public service and motivated me to run for U.S. Senate. It's why I worked relentlessly as a federal prosecutor to ensure equal treatment under the law, and why I’ll continue the fight for justice and opportunity as your next senator. And, I will make sure every Arkansan has a voice in Washington no matter what.

Last night, Mary Elizabeth and I attended the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus’ annual King-Kennedy Dinner in Little Rock where people committed to inclusiveness came together from all over Arkansas. There, civil rights advocates and community leaders were recognized for their work that has made our state a stronger, more inclusive place to call home. We were both incredibly moved by their stories and dedication to justice, and we look forward to continuing to hear all the good things Arkansans are doing across our great state.

Let’s work together and continue making our great state even greater.

Thanks for your time,

Conner Eldridge

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