Melba's Life and Experiences

Melba Pattillo Beals recounts her early life, highlighting her family's background, her miraculous survival at birth, and her experiences with racial segregation. Her family, deeply rooted in education and resilience, faced numerous challenges due to racial discrimination. Despite these struggles, they held onto hope for a better future, believing in the eventual triumph over segregation.

What did Melba's grandmother believe about their family's blessings?

• They were blessed with a large house.

• They were blessed with many children.

• They were blessed with good health and brains.

• They were blessed with wealth.

What significant event coincided with Melba's birth?

• The launch of the first satellite

• The signing of the Civil Rights Act

• The bombing of Pearl Harbor

• The end of World War II

Why did Melba's grandmother believe she had a special task?

• Because she was the first in her family to go to college

• Because she survived a difficult birth

• Because she was the oldest child

• Because she was the only girl in the family

What did Melba question about the signs labeled 'colored'?

• Why they were written in large letters

• Why they were on all the nice places

• Why they were written in English

• Why they were on all the ugly places

What was Melba's experience at the merry-go-round?

• She was asked to pay double the price

• She was given a free ride

• She was told there was no space for her

• She was allowed to ride any horse she wanted

What did Melba's home contain that was cherished by her family?

• A gallery of family portraits

• A collection of antique furniture

• A library of classic literature

• A collection of rare coins

What did Melba's grandmother advise her about being free?

• Freedom is a physical state

• Freedom is given by others

• Freedom is not achievable

• Freedom is a state of mind

What was a common activity in Melba's brother's room?

• Playing video games

• Counting marbles and playing Monopoly

• Building model airplanes

• Painting and drawing

What was Melba's father's occupation?

• A lawyer

• A teacher

• A doctor

• A railroad worker

What did Melba's family experience at the grocery store?

• They were overcharged

• They were given a discount

• They were offered free groceries

• They were ignored by the staff