History: Warriors Don't Cry Questions

Intro: What role did Bill Clinton have in 1987 with regard to the Little Rock Nine?

In 1987, Bill Clinton was the Governor of Arkansas. He welcomed them to his home and encouraged them to come back home because things had changed with regards to racism.

Intro: What is ironic about the greeting the Nine get at Central?

The greeting in 2005 was ironic because some of the same people who once scorned them came to congratulate them for standing their ground, for claiming their equality, for completing that year at Central High School against all odds.

Chap 1: Describe Governor Faubus.

Governor Faubus was mean and did not agree with the segregation ruling sent down by the Supreme Court. On the 1st day, he sent the National Guard to stop the nine from entering the school.

Chap 1: What role did the Screaming Eagles have?

- Main role was to keep the Little Rock Nine safe going to and from school and while in school.
- Escorted the nine students from a predetermined meeting place to the school in a jeep convoy
- Formed a human protective cocoon for them so that they could p

Chap 2: What was Melba's first 'bout' with segregation?

When I was five, I had my first true bout with testing the harsh realities of segregation. My family -- Grandmother, Mother, Daddy, and my brother, Conrad, plus most of my aunts and uncles -- had gathered at Fair Park for a Fourth of July picnic. As usual

Chap 2: Describe the relationships between Melba and her grandmother India?

Melba and her grandmother, India, were very close. Her grandmother told her that she was special and that she would change the world.

Chap 2: What steps did Melba's mother take toward integration ?

Melba's mother fought to be admitted to the graduate school of education at the University of Arkansas. She held meetings to integrate the Univ. of Arkansas.

Chap 3: Describe Marissa and her interactions with Melba.

When Melba took the short cut home from school she would run into Marissa who was bigger than her and who would demand her lunch apple or allowance money in order to pass by her. However, Marissa saved her from being raped by a white man. She hit him in t

Chap 3: How did India react to the attempted rape, and why weren't the police called?

India reacted to the attempted rape by taking Melba in the house and putting a cold cloth on her face and put her in the bathtub. She told Melba that "When the bath water goes down the drain, it will take away all that white man's evil with it. She burned

Chap 3: Why did Melba consider Cincinnati the "promised land"?

Melba considered Cincinnati the promised land because it allowed her to be free from the racism she encountered in Little Rock. White people treated her equally. She was able to unwind in Cincinnati.

Chap 3: What news ends the chapter?

The news that ends the chapter is that Melba tells her parents that she signed up to go to Central High School. Her family was upset and Grandma India even said "all Hades breaking loose" as referring to what will happen.

Chap 4: What was the cause of Judge Reed's ruling against integration?

...

Chap 5: What is the reaction of Melba's neighbors on the first day of integration?

On the first day of school, the neighbors stood on the sidewalk and did not wave to her. They were not being friendly and showed disapproving glances.

Chap 6: What conflicting opinions did India and Melba's mom have as this chapter opens?

India and Melba's mom didn't agree with how they should react to the gun totting white people. Melba's mom wanted Melba not to mention what happened and to act normal. India

Chap 6: How was Melba a typical teenager?

Melba was a typical teenager because she wanted to go see her friends despite it being possibly dangerous. She played records and read teen magazines and was bored. She tried to sneak out to see her friend at the Community Center.

Chap 6: How was the impending integration affecting Melba's mother and her position?

The principal at Melba's mother's school warned her that some North Little Rock white school officials might take it personally that she allowed Melba to go to Central.

Chap 7: Give your opinion of Mr. Claxton's attitude (Don't wreck the status quo..")

I think Mr. Claxton's attitude about 'Don't wreck the status quo', is wrong. Although it might bring harm to some neighbors, I think that she should continue her fight.

Chap 7: What were some of the precautions being taken for Melba's safety?

Melba had to stay home and hide in the closet when people came to t he house were precautions being taken for Melba's safety.

Chap 7: What decision was shared with the Little Rock Nine at Mrs. Bates' home?

The NAACP said that Central High was off limits to us, but not for long. He advised us to keep close to home and let someone know where we were at all times. No socializing and do not go out at night. One kids might be required to testify about what happe

Chap 8: How did the action of President Eisenhower add hope to Melba's situation?

President Eisenhower's command that he would uphold the Constitution and integration gave Melba hope that since the President ordered it, the Governor would have to follow it. The school board backed off of trying to stop integration.

Chap 8: Who is Thurgood Marshall?

Thurgood Marshall was a famous NAACP lawyer that delivered the argument that resulted in the Supreme Court's 1965 school integration ruling. Petitioned for a court order to have Governor move troops away from school doors. He did not fear the problems whi

Chap 9: Why was Melba so worried about testifying in court?

Melbra was worried about testifying in court because she was afraid of what would happen if they lost. Would they be arrested or sued? Would the news reporters make fun of them? Would would her friends say?

Chap 9: What is your opinion of the woman's comments to Mrs. Pattillo after church?

Mrs. Pattillo's comments after church that says "Easy for you to talk, Mrs. Pattillo. You're an educated woman. I ain't got no sheepskin on my wall". I think this woman's comments shows how she think that the educated blacks can afford to fight against th

Chap 9: How is the relationship between Vince and Melba progressing? Is this typical?

Vince and Melba was progressing good. He took her home from church in his car. However, he kept asking her about integration and specifically what the nine were doing. This did not seem typical for a relationship. His questions actually made Melba feel ba

Chap 10: Describe Melba's first day at Central.

Melba's first day at Central was encountered by a mob yelling at them as they entered the school. The white kids in the school yelled at them to go home and insulted them. Kids stared at them. Each kid was assigned to different classes and homerooms.

Chap 10: What is your impression of the homeroom teacher? The guide? Mrs. Pickwick?

The homeroom teacher ignored her and comments made about her.
The guide was very stern and wanted her to hurry up to get where she needed to be. She didn't seem to be concerned with how Melba felt, even when she was hurt.
Mrs. Pickwick, the shorthand teac

Chap 10: React to the comment from the principal's office: "We may have to let the mob have one of the kids, so we can distract them long enough to get the others out.

The principal's comment is crazy! Why would he think that offering one of the kids up to the mob would be a good thing?

Chap 11: What happened to the three black reporters?

Three black reporters at the school were beaten because they cooperated with the police to help the nine kids escape

Chap 11: What was President Eisenhower's warning?

President Eisenhower's warning was

Chap 12: What message did Melba's family receive in the night? How did they receive it?

Melba's family receives a special night-time visit from messengers of the President who promise to protect her.

Chap 12: How was the crowd reacting to the convoy?

� The kids were driven to school in a convoy - a station wagon protected by jeeps in front and behind the wagon. The jeeps were equipped with guns mounted on the front.
� The kids arrive at school joined by more soldiers with rifles and bayonets.

Chap 13: List 3 (or more) of day two's events?

� Melba is told to sit away from the door in study hall. Spitballs are thrown at her and notes with mean things are written and passed on to her. The teacher sat and read the newspaper and ignored threats and the throwing of spitballs
� Melba goes to the

Chap 13: What was Melba's reaction to the reporter's question, "Do you wish that you were white?

...

Chap 13: Why was Melba asked to write, and what was her reaction?

� A reporter from the New York Post asked Melba to write down what she was thinking after her first full day at school. Melba's reaction was

Chap 14: Describe Danny. How was his protection limited?

Danny was sent there to protect her. It is limited because he was only sent to keep her alive and not to prevent the nonsense.
� Danny's presence doesn't stop the attacks
� Melba is kicked, pushed to the floor and taunted by white kids on the way to homer

Chap 14: What support did school officials lend when one of the Little Rock Nine was attacked or hurt?

� Melba was never even offered medical assistance - just told to get to class.

Chap 15: What were Melba's feelings toward her experience at Central at this point? How did they affect her relationship with Vince?

Melba's feelings toward Central High was that she felt like nothing in her life was the same anymore.
It brought her and Vince closer together

Chap 16: How did Melba stand up to an adult for the first time? Was she successful?

Melba stood up to Principal Matthews and General Clinger and told him that either he ensure that they had protection or they would go home. She was successful because the General immediately assigned persona guards to each student.

Chap 16: What was Governor Faubus fabricating for the news?

The Governor made up news that the GIs from the 101st were following white girls into the restroom and flirting with them which launched an investigation. The 101st troops could not follow the girls everywhere which put them in danger sometimes.

Chap 17: What is Melba's one goal at this point?

- Melba's one goal at this point in the book was to survive the rest of the school year and to stay positive and to keep from getting hurt.

Chap 18: Why was the auditorium a 'torture chamber' to the Little Rock Nine?

- Pep rallies and assemblies were held in the auditorium which little rock 9 were surrounded by their tormentors and could not run.

Chap 18: What was Melba's turkey comment? How was it received?

- Melba's comment about the turkey was "This an an integrated turkey", meaning it was black and white.
- Everyone seemed to annoyed about her turkey comment.
- Reporters laughed about it and then asked her a series of questions on turkeys and integration.

Chap 18: What disturbing news was in the headlines in this chapter?

- Two disturbing headlines in this chapter:
1) Last of 225 GI's Leave School : Arkansas National Guard in Charge
2) Mother's League Head Protests Negro's Part in CHS Talent Program

Chap 19: Why did India ask Melba to read Ganhdi?

- India asked Melba to read Ghandi to see how much he endured even in the face of people beating up on him and calling him names and accomplished a lot without violence or anger.

Chap 20: How was Melba's 'sweet sixteen' birthday anything but sweet?

- Her 16th party was not good because no one came to the party.
- Everyone was afraid to come to her house because of the bomb threats and other threats.
- Their friend Ann was having a Xmas party at the same time and didn't invite Melba.

Chap 20: What did Minnijean do when she was trapped? Why couldn't Melba help her? What were the consequences?

- When Minnijean was trapped by the boys in the cafeteria, she first stood real still and then threw her tray up, spilling chili all over the boys.
- Melba could not help her because they were instructed that intervening would blur the lines between who w

Chap 21: The segregationists have "stolen yet another important piece of [Melba's] life". Explain .

- The segregationists had taken away Melba's Christmas shopping fun.
- Two white boys, Andy and someone other man, followed Melba and her family around while they were Xmas shopping and making threats.

Chap 22: What happened to Minnijean in this chapter?

- In this chapter, Minnijean was allowed to return to school but to not say anything to anyone who hurt her.
- She was kicked so hard that she could not sit for 2 days.

Chap 22: What evidence is there in Melba's diary that she is weakening in strength?

- Melba wrote in her diary "I don't know if I can make it now. It's really really hard. Why should life be so hard, when will it ever be fun to live again?

Chap 23: How did Link possibly save Melba's life? Why was Melba hesitant to let him help?

- Link possibly saved Melba life by letting her take his car to get away from Andy and his friends who were trying to kill her.
- Melba didn't want to take his car because people would think she stole Link's car.

Chap 24: Characterize Link and give your opinion on whether Melba should have trusted him.

- Link is really trying to protect her but has to act like he is one of the mean guys because they would turn on him.
- I think that she shouldn't trust him because he could be just doing this to gain her trust and then hurt her in the end.

Chap 24: How did LInk act towards Melba in the cafeteria? Why?

- In the cafeteria, Link acted like he was a part of the group that tormented/hecklers Melba.
- However, he convinced the group to leave her alone and go to class because he would help them get Melba later.
- This saved Melba from more hecklers.

Chap 25: How was Melba becoming stronger and gaining more control over her situation at this point in the book?

- Melba became stronger and gained more control over her situation by practicing what Gahdi did by keeping calm no matter what the situation is.
- She also talked with Link everyday to find out what the plans were for her to be hurt and to watch out for t

Chap 26: What was the first lie that Melba told her mother and India?

- The 1st lie Melba told her mother and India was that there was a big emergency with Thelma and she was going to visit her when she was really going to meet LInk in North LIttle Rock.

Chap 26: Describe Link's relationship with his former Nanny and what effect this had on his views.

- Link's Nana Healey had taken care of Link's father and then Link when his father married.
- Link's dad let Nanna go when she got sick.
- She has no family so Link takes her groceries and sits with her.
- He loves Nanna for taking care of him and may be

Chap 26: What happened to Melba's mom that caused great concern to the family?

- Melba's mom was threatened that the school board would not renew her job as a teacher.
- They say they'll give her back her job only if she withdraws Melba from Central HS immediately.
- They did not want Melbra to finish the school year.

Chap 27: How did Melba's mother get her job back? Why did she lose it in the first place?

- Melba's mother got her job back by letting Grandma tell the reporters about Lois contract not being renewed.
- Melba's mother and grandmother also spoke to Bishop Sherman, most powerful bishop in the community and he told them to tell the school board a

Chap 27: What danger did Link warn would happen at graduation? Who was most at risk?

- Link warned Melba that people were talking about using high powered rifles at graduation and bragging about which way Melba and others would fall when they were shot.
- Most at risk was the one boy from the 9 that was going to graduate and possibly any

Chap 28: How did Link and Melba's relationship end?

Link and Melba's relationship ended by Melba telling Link that she could not run away with him to the North where things would be better. She wanted to stay and fight for being at Central HS.
- She waved goodbye to him and knew she would never see him aga

Chap 28: What drastic step did Gov. Faubus take to be sure that black students did not attend Central the next year?

- Gov. Faubus closed all LIttle Rock's high schools in an effort to prevent black students from going to Central

Chap 28: Where did Melba go to finish her high school years?

- Melba went to Santa Rosa, California to finish her high school years.
- She lived with Dr. George McCabe and his family.

Chap 28: How did Melba meet her husband? Why did they split up?

- Melba met her husband while attending San Francisco State University.
- This soldier had come as a blind date for her roommate but he ended up liking Melba and they married 6 months later. He reminder her of Danny her hero soldier who had helped her at

Chap 28: What "one lesson" did her years at Central teach Melba?

One lesson that Melber learned during her years at Central was that it taught her to have courage and patience.