Lkhagvasuren 1

Esujin Lkhagvasuren

Mr. Filion

English 314

2 May 2024

Warriors Don’t Cry

Warriors Don't Cry chronicles the harrowing journey of Melba and the eight other

Black students, known as the Little Rock Nine, as they become the first to integrate Central

High School in Arkansas amidst intense racial hostility in 1957. The story begins with the

group's meeting with Governor Bill Clinton, revisiting their pivotal role in challenging

segregation. Melba recounts the backdrop of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Brown

v. Board of Education and the subsequent struggles to implement desegregation. Despite

legal victories, they face daunting opposition, including Governor Faubus deploying the

National Guard to prevent their entry. Melba's first day at Central High is met with a violent

white mob, highlighting the grave risks they face. President Eisenhower intervenes, sending

federal troops to enforce integration. However, hostility persists, with the Nine enduring

ongoing threats and violence, including an attempt to blind Melba with acid. As the school

year progresses, tensions escalate. Minnijean faces suspension after defending herself from

racist attacks, while Melba finds an unexpected ally in a white student named Link. Despite

their efforts, the segregationists remain relentless, leading to further challenges and personal

losses for the Nine. The narrative shifts beyond Central High, detailing Melba's journey post-

graduation. She navigates interracial relationships, marriage, and motherhood, all while

pursuing her passion for journalism. Despite the setbacks and sacrifices, Melba emerges

resilient, advocating for racial equality and unity. Ultimately, the story reflects on the

enduring impact of the Little Rock Nine's courage and resilience.

 Lkhagvasuren 2

Link, the son of a segregationist white family, assists Melba, a Black teenager, in

evading violent segregationists who threaten her life. Despite his family's racist beliefs,

Link's close relationship with his Black nanny, Nana Healey, shapes his perspective on race.

He admires Nana Healey and resents his parents' mistreatment of her. Link's kindness

towards Melba contrasts with his fear of openly defying segregationists, fearing social

ostracization. Though he assists Melba secretly, he struggles with openly acknowledging

their friendship due to societal pressure. "Each time I passed Link in the hallway, he winked

at me. It was the one kind gesture in a morning filled with hellish activity. In the days that

followed, every time I saw Link, he acknowledged me in some way" (Patillo Beals 155). This

illustrates Link's outgoing nature, reaching out to Melba discreetly. His actions might have

impacted his social circle, given his association with Andy, who posed serious threats to

Melba. Melba prioritizes defying segregationists over fleeing with Link, who fails to

understand her resilience. His privileged upbringing limits his understanding of her

struggles, leading to unrequited romantic feelings. Ultimately, Melba's determination to

confront segregationists outweighs Link's privileged perspective, leaving him unable to

comprehend her motivations fully.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, finding it far more

engaging than I had anticipated. I feel as though this book seemingly succeeds to encapsulate

the violence and suffering that the black community dealt with during this period. Its

portrayal of segregation is not only commendable but also deeply resonant, underscoring its

profound impact and significance as a work of literature.

 Lkhagvasuren 3

Work Cited

Patillo Beals, Melba, Warriors Don’t Cry, New York, Simon & Schuster, 2007, Print