Strong-Huttig School District Awarded Black History Commission Grant: Honoring the Legacy of Daisy Bates

The Strong-Huttig School District has received a significant grant from the Black History Commission of Arkansas, a step forward in ensuring students learn and celebrate the rich history of Black Americans. This funding will support the district’s efforts to bring Black history to life through educational programs and resources, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and empowering education.

This initiative serves as a tribute to civil rights icons like Daisy Bates, an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, whose leadership was instrumental during the integration of Central High School in Little Rock. Bates’ work with the Little Rock Nine, nine courageous students who desegregated the school in 1957, underscores the importance of ensuring that students understand the sacrifices and achievements that shaped the fight for equality.

Honoring History Through Education

With this grant, the Strong-Huttig School District can deepen its focus on Black history, offering programs and workshops that highlight the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black Americans. By emphasizing stories like those of Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine, the district ensures that students learn about local and national figures who fought for justice and equality.

This initiative aligns with Bates’ vision of education as a tool for empowerment and progress. By enriching its curriculum with untold and underrepresented stories, the district is fostering an environment where students not only appreciate the past but are inspired to continue the legacy of advocacy and leadership.

A Call to Action for the Divine Nine

For members of the Divine Nine, especially Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, this grant represents an opportunity to extend Bates’ legacy of service and education. Divine Nine organizations can play a vital role in supporting this initiative through:

• Workshops and Presentations: Partnering with the district to educate students about the Little Rock Nine and other key moments in Black history.
• Mentorship Programs: Engaging students in discussions about leadership, activism, and community service.
• Event Sponsorship: Supporting events that celebrate Black history and culture within the district.

Carrying the Torch Forward

The work of Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine reminds us of the power of education to transform lives and communities. The Strong-Huttig School District’s commitment to teaching Black history ensures that students not only learn about these trailblazers but are also inspired to carry their legacy forward.

This grant is a victory for the community and a reminder that inclusive education is essential to building a more equitable future. Let’s honor the work of Bates and the Little Rock Nine by supporting initiatives like this and ensuring their stories remain central to our collective history.

Congratulations to the Strong-Huttig School District for this accomplishment, and to the educators and community members dedicated to making history accessible and impactful for future generations. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine continues to inspire and educate.