Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News
Carlotta Walls LaNier Makes Big Impact During Visit to Shipley
To celebrate Black History Month, Shipley was proud to host Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, on Monday, February 3. Carlotta shared her inspirational story - fighting for the right of every child to learn and grow without discrimination - with grades three through twelve in an assembly in Yarnall Gymnasium.
Walls LaNier integrated Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in September 1957. She endured taunting and physical harassment from crowds of people outside the school doors, and even a bombing at her home. Upon hearing the news, President Dwight D. Eisenhauer sent the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to escort the Little Rock Nine to school.
“I had a bodyguard every day to go to school,” said Walls LaNier. “They picked us up in a military station wagon. We had a Jeep in the front and a Jeep in the back with fixed bayonets and we attended school that way for the year 1957-58. It was not an easy way to go to school - think about your school having the military up and down your hallways with fixed bayonets and military men accompanying you from one classroom to another. It is not the best environment to learn in, but that was what was necessary.”
Walls LaNier ended her talk with a challenge to students to see their commitments through to the end and a note of inspiration. “When you make a commitment to something - you want to see it through. What I say to you today is that you do your personal best in whatever endeavors you might find yourself in… you want to do your personal best in achieving those goals that you have set out for yourself. You have the opportunity to be the best that you can be.”
Walls LaNier ended her talk with a challenge to students to see their commitments through to the end and a note of inspiration. “When you make a commitment to something - you want to see it through. What I say to you today is that you do your personal best in whatever endeavors you might find yourself in… you want to do your personal best in achieving those goals that you have set out for yourself. You have the opportunity to be the best that you can be.”
In 1999, Walls LaNier and the Little Rock Nine were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bill Clinton.
“Mrs. LaNier’s story illustrates the enormous sacrifices many individuals, including children, made to promote equity and strengthen our society in a time of tremendous turmoil,” said Shipley Upper School History teacher Dr. Kate Gillin. “Mrs. LaNier’s personal narrative helped our community appreciate the benefits of our diverse population and celebrate the potential of young people to promote positive change.”
Following the assembly, Shipley's Black Student Union spent quality time with Walls LaNier.
This was a unique opportunity for Shipley to hear this important history firsthand—a reminder that Carlotta’s relentless efforts for equality and access to education continue to resonate today.
To watch Carlotta's address, visit our YouTube channel.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News
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The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.
