Arkansas shines best when it remembers its civil rights history instead of shying away

By: Andrew DeMillo

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: January 18, 2026

Words: 655

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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It’s one of the most famous moments to happen on the front steps of Arkansas’ Capitol: In 1968, Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller was the only Southern governor to hold a public memorial following the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

The indelible image of a white governor joining hands with Black mourners to sing “We Shall Overcome” was needed to heal a city that was just a couple hours away from where King was killed.

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