According to “The Many Lives of Hazel Bryan,” for what is Hazel Bryan mostly known?
A. apologizing to Elizabeth Eckford
B. shouting hatefully at Elizabeth Eckford
C. appearing on the Oprah show with Elizabeth Eckford
D. speaking to schools and civic groups with Elizabeth Eckford
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. shouting hatefully at Elizabeth Eckford.
Hazel Bryan is mostly known for her role in a photograph taken during the Little Rock Nine crisis in 1957, where she is seen shouting at Elizabeth Eckford, one of the nine African American students who were attempting to integrate Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. This moment became iconic, as it captured the intensity of racial hostility during the Civil Rights Movement.
In the photograph, Hazel Bryan, a white student, is seen yelling at Elizabeth Eckford, who is walking alone after being separated from the other students in the group. The image of Bryan’s expression of hatred and aggression against Eckford was widely circulated, symbolizing the deep-seated racism and the violent opposition that African Americans faced when trying to desegregate schools.
Over time, Hazel Bryan’s actions in that photo became a point of intense public focus, with Bryan later recognizing the harm she had caused and expressing regret. The incident remained a defining moment in her life, as she was often associated with the hatred seen in the photo. However, Bryan eventually sought redemption. She apologized to Eckford and later worked alongside her in efforts to promote racial reconciliation. Bryan’s public recognition of her past actions and her attempts to change her life direction by promoting understanding and healing were part of her broader personal journey. But despite her efforts to make amends, the image of her shouting at Eckford remains one of the most defining aspects of her legacy.