Questions and Answers
What happens in the world on the day Melba is born?
Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941
List two things that happen as a result of Melba's difficult delivery.
scalp infection, drainage system
Ironically, who gives Mother Lois information that saves Melba's life?
a black janitor
Why does Mother Lois administer Epsom salts and warm water rather than the nurse?
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Explain Melba's description of the impact of segregation on black people.
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Describe Melba's first experience with segregation and how does it make her feel?
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Why would the adults in Melba's life behave as though they are worried about something when shopping at Mr. Waylan's store?
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What conflict arises at Mr. Waylan's grocery store?
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How do Melba and her family resolve the conflict at Mr. Waylan's grocery store?
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What is Brown v. Board of Education Topeka, Kansas?
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Describe the relationship between Melba and her Grandma India.
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Does Melba's teacher seem excited or nervous about the Brown ruling?
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Why is it important for the students to stay together?
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Why is traveling across the vacant lot usually a bad idea?
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Why does Melba disagree with the radio announcers about Little Rock?
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Why does the man attack Melba and who came to her rescue?
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What does Grandma India tell Melba to do so she can feel better after the attack?
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Why is May 24, 1955 an important date for the Little Rock school board?
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What news does Melba's family receive while on vacation? What problem does this cause for Melba?
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How many students were originally going to integrate Central? How many students drop out and why?
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What do the integrating students have in common?
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What does Melba's family do on Labor Day?
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What does the governor say that shows he is not supportive of integration?
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During the meeting called by the Superintendent, what does he say to the group of nine students and their parents?
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Why do Melba's parents have second thoughts about her attending Central?
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What hope does Melba have that things might be different?
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Study Notes
Melba's Birth and Early Life
- Melba was born on December 7, 1941, the day of the Pearl Harbor attack.
- A difficult delivery resulted in a scalp infection and the need for a drainage system.
- A black janitor provided critical information that saved Melba's life during her birth complications.
Segregation and Its Impact
- Segregation labeled black people as second-class citizens in society.
- Melba's first experience with segregation left her feeling excluded, as she was unable to ride the merry-go-round.
Experiences at Mr. Waylan's Store
- Adults in Melba's life demonstrated anxiety when shopping at Mr. Waylan's store due to the fear of being denied service for any mistake.
- A conflict arose when Mr. Waylan overcharged Melba's family by $22, which they resolved by paying to avoid confrontation.
Brown v. Board of Education
- The landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education declared the illegality of segregated schools.
- Melba shared a strong bond with her Grandma India.
School Integration and Safety Concerns
- Melba's teacher expressed nervousness about the implications of the Brown ruling on school integration.
- The importance of unity among integrating students was emphasized for their safety against potential attacks.
- Traveling across the vacant lot was dangerous due to the presence of Maria, the school bully.
Public Perception and Personal Struggles
- Melba disagreed with the radio announcers regarding Little Rock, stating that their stories were inaccurate.
- Melba was attacked by a man who was upset about a court verdict, but she was saved by Maria.
- Grandma India advised Melba to pray daily for comfort after the attack.
Key Dates and Events
- May 24, 1955, marks the date of the Little Rock school board's decision to integrate schools.
- Melba's surprise announcement during a family vacation revealed her selection to attend Central High, leading to personal dilemmas.
Student Integration Details
- Initially, 17 students were set to integrate into Central High; however, eight dropped out due to fear.
- The integrating students shared common traits: strict parenting, strong academic investment, church-going backgrounds, and prioritization of education.
Family Life and Community Response
- Melba's family enjoyed a picnic together on Labor Day, fostering familial bonds amidst tensions surrounding integration.
- The governor expressed a lack of support for integration, stating he would not protect anyone involved.
- During a meeting, the Superintendent advised parents to stay away from the school for easier protection of the students.
Parental Concerns and Melba's Hope
- Melba's parents experienced doubts about her attending Central after witnessing a large rioting crowd outside the school.
- Despite the turmoil, Melba held hope that she could change perceptions about black individuals through her actions at Central High.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the first three chapters of 'Warriors Don't Cry'. This quiz covers pivotal events and characters that shape Melba's life. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of civil rights and personal struggles in the context of history.