Orval Faubus

Orval Faubus
University of Arkansas · Public domain · source
Name	Orval Faubus
Birth date	January 7, 1910
Birth place	Combs, Arkansas
Death date	December 14, 1994
Death place	Conway, Arkansas
Occupation	Politician
Party	Democratic

Orval Faubus

Orval Faubus was an American politician who served as the 36th Governor of Arkansas from 1955 to 1967. He is best known for his role in the Little Rock Crisis, in which he attempted to prevent the Desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. Faubus's actions during this crisis drew national attention and sparked a significant turning point in the US Civil Rights Movement. As a prominent figure in the movement, Faubus's legacy is closely tied to the struggles of African Americans and the fight for Racial equality in the United States.

● Early Life and Career

Orval Faubus was born on January 7, 1910, in Combs, Arkansas, to a family of Farmers. He grew up in a poor household and was forced to drop out of school at a young age to work and support his family. Despite these challenges, Faubus was able to attend Commonwealth College in Mena, Arkansas, where he became involved in Labor union activities and developed an interest in Politics. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Faubus returned to Arkansas and began his career in politics, serving in the Arkansas House of Representatives and later as the Director of the Arkansas State Welfare Department. Faubus's early career was marked by his association with prominent Arkansas politicians, including Governor Sid McMath and Senator John L. McClellan.

● Governor of Arkansas

In 1954, Faubus was elected as the Governor of Arkansas, a position he would hold for six consecutive terms. As governor, Faubus focused on issues such as Economic development, Education, and Infrastructure improvement. He also played a key role in the development of the Arkansas State Highway System and the creation of the Arkansas State Police. However, Faubus's governorship was also marked by his increasingly Segregationist views, which would ultimately lead to his involvement in the Little Rock Crisis. Faubus's relationship with other prominent Southern governors, including George Wallace and Ross Barnett, was also significant, as they often shared similar views on Racial segregation and States' rights.

● Role

in the Little Rock Crisis The Little Rock Crisis began in 1957, when a group of African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, attempted to integrate Little Rock Central High School. Faubus, in an effort to prevent the integration, deployed the Arkansas National Guard to block the students' entry into the school. This move sparked a national crisis, with President Dwight D. Eisenhower ultimately deploying Federal troops to enforce the integration of the school. Faubus's actions during the crisis drew widespread criticism from Civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. The crisis also led to a significant increase in Racial tension in Little Rock, with many White supremacist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan, becoming more active in the area.

● Civil Rights and Segregation Policies

Faubus's views on Civil rights and Segregation were shaped by his upbringing in a Rural Arkansas community and his association with other Segregationist politicians. He believed in the importance of maintaining Racial segregation in public facilities, including schools, and was opposed to the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which declared segregation in public schools to be Unconstitutional. Faubus's policies as governor reflected these views, with him often using his executive power to block attempts at integration and Desegregation. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and other Civil rights organizations were highly critical of Faubus's policies, which they saw as a major obstacle to achieving Racial equality in Arkansas.

● Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office in 1967, Faubus returned to private life, where he remained a prominent figure in Arkansas politics. He continued to speak out on issues related to States' rights and Racial segregation, although his views became increasingly marginalized as the US Civil Rights Movement gained momentum. Faubus died on December 14, 1994, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that is still widely debated among historians and scholars today. While some view Faubus as a States' rights champion, others see him as a Segregationist who worked to undermine the Civil rights of African Americans. The Orval Faubus Papers are housed at the University of Arkansas, providing a unique insight into the life and career of this complex and controversial figure.

● Impact on

the US Civil Rights Movement Orval Faubus's impact on the US Civil Rights Movement was significant, as his actions during the Little Rock Crisis helped to galvanize support for the movement nationwide. The crisis also drew attention to the issue of Racial segregation in the South, highlighting the need for Federal intervention to enforce Civil rights laws. Faubus's legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for Racial equality in the United States, with many Civil rights leaders and organizations continuing to work towards a more just and equitable society. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and other Civil rights organizations played a crucial role in challenging Faubus's policies and advocating for the rights of African Americans in Arkansas and beyond. Today, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site serves as a powerful symbol of the struggle for Racial equality and the importance of Desegregation in achieving a more just society. Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:Governors of Arkansas Category:Segregationist politicians