Margolick discusses past, present, future of book characters

"Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock,” current contributing editor to Vanity Fair David Margolick detailed the relationship between the two women of Little Rock who remain frozen in history.

THE PHOTO'S IMPORTANCE
Will Counts, who eventually became an IU photojournalism professor, took the now-famous photo of the conflict between students Elizabeth Ann Eckford and Hazel Bryan Massery.

While the photo was taken more than 50 years ago, it has shaped Eckford and Massery and continues to play a role in their daily lives, Margolick said.

Eckford fell on hard times after her experiences at Little Rock Central High School.
Massery, who eventually reached out to Eckford, also experienced backlash over her sincere apology.

THEIR RELATIONSHIP
Eckford and Massery eventually did reconcile, even becoming close confidants. The two appeared publicly, speaking at schools, in an effort to show they had resolved their issues.

However, the two fell out of touch in 2000, Margolick said. Eckford felt Massery had not fully acknowledged her past wrongs, while Massery believed her reconciliatory efforts were not appreciated.

The two have since spoken once — on Sept. 11, 2001.
Margolick said Eckford is still quite open to speaking with the media, while Massery is quite hesitant, noting there was a time when Massery would not speak with him for his book.

THE FUTURE
Margolick said that, while he spent more than a decade compiling information, traveling and interviewing sources for the book, the story is still not over.
He said he imagines and hopes that one day, the two will finally clear the air between them.

— Matthew Glowicki