For Whom The Bell Tolled

For Whom The Bell Tolled

Political ‘cartoon’ of Arkansas governor Orval Eugene Faubus being held down by the Liberty Bell. The Bell has been inscribed with “Little Rock School Board Education.” He has been soundly defeated by the school board’s decision to oust him so his segregation views can no longer delay and block the equal education of African-Americans. He had been a stout believer in segregation, and thought that having African-Americans in the school would increase violence. Despite using the National Guard, petitions, and referendums, he was still defeated by equal progression and schools became integrated.
 
Even though the Federal District Court had ordered integration, Faubus did everything in his power to keep the races separate, including closing schools and forcing teachers to continue coming to work despite having no students. It became known as the Lost Year, as he managed to deprive everyone of an education, both black and white, causing even more tension between the races. It finally ended in May 1959, when three segregationist members of the school board were replaced with three moderate ones. The new board rehired fired teachers, reopened the schools, and ensured that integration would stay in place. In order to make up for Faubus’ stubbornness, they had to open the schools earlier, on August 12, 1959. Though tensions were still thick between the races, Little Rock continued to keep its doors open for everyone.

Bill Maudlin

May 27 1959

https://cdn.loc.gov/service/pnp/ppmsca/04300/04327_150px.jpg

None

Link: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/acd1999001434/PP/

Library of Congress

Library of Congress

Medium: Drawing.

English

Cartoon

Arkansas, Orval Eugene Faubus, Cartoons, Little Rock Schools, African-Americans, Segregation, Racism, Integration

Arkansas