Facing History and Ourselves

Teaching Warriors Don't Cry Facing History and Ourselves

Melba Pattillo Beals was one of nine African American students chosen to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. Teaching "Warriors Don't Cry" interweaves a literary analysis of Melba's memoir with an exploration of the relevant historical context surrounding her experience.

This guide provides engaging activities, teaching strategies, and recommended media to structure your students' reading of the memoir. Throughout their study, students will return the central questions: What can we do, alone and with others, to confront racism? How can we as individuals and as citizens make a positive difference in our school, community, and nation?