LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - In observance of Black History Month, we're taking a look at a governor who changed the face of race relations right here in Arkansas.
In honor of Black History month we're taking a look at a man who changed the face of race relations in our state, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller (photo gallery). He did more than just serve the state, he is known for quietly, but successfully integrating Arkansas schools. Winthrop Rockefeller governed Arkansas from 1967 to 1971, during the time an assassin gunned down Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. Governor Rockefeller's reaction kept Arkansas from disintegrating into chaos like so many other states. But his passion for bringing harmony began much earlier than his political career.
"The governor's work in race relations really starts before he was governor." Sherece West, president of the Rockefeller Foundation, says the governor's subtle ways of making big changes started early on. West says the skill was passed down through his father, John D. Rockefeller. The family is known for supporting civil rights in the early 1900s before the civil rights movement ever got off the ground. "Maybe not a well known fact but the governor, during 1946 and 1948 was the key note speaker for the national urban league's conference, and again for that time period that was pretty astounding." West says the Governor's work with race relations early on in life-led to his defining moment as our state's leader.
"He had every reason in the world not to do it; standing out here in the open he could have been assassinated himself." Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert Brown wrote a book about the defining moments of each of Arkansas' governors. And Rockefeller's moment happened on April 7, 1968 shortly after the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior.
When the invitation came to attend a memorial on the steps of Arkansas' state Capitol, he not only attended he offered words of encouragement supporting equal education for all races. He was the only Southern governor to do so. The ceremony brought peace to our state while others broke out in riots. "Governor Rockefeller comes out, makes a tribute to Martin Luther King which is just marvelous, heartfelt, you could really tell and at the end of the ceremony he clasp the hands of the African American pastors and they sing, We Shall Overcome."
Then came a bigger challenge, desegregating education in our state. Governor Rockefeller did not sit on the sidelines while others battled it out, he joined the fray.
Also keeping his pledge to promote African Americans in state government he appointed William Sonny Walker as the first black department head in the Office of Economic Opportunity.
The foundation is recreating the 1968 MLK tribute on April 4 on the steps of the state capitol. They are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Winthrop Rockefeller's birth.
They're using all of 2012 to honor his legacy. The celebration includes academic conferences, public forums, art exhibits and educational programs.