the little rock nine

On September 25, 1957, nine students, known as the Little Rock Nine, integrated Little Rock Central High School. This historic event marked a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement, as these nine students faced severe resistance and hostility while desegregating the city’s largest public high school, following the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional! However, real change often takes time. Despite the court ruling, then Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered the National Guard to stop the students from entering the school on September 4, 1957. A mob joined the guards to block the Little Rock Nine. It wasn’t until President Dwight D. Eisenhower stepped in, sending federal troops, that the students were allowed to attend classes safely. Even then, they were harassed daily by students. Ernest Green, one of the nine, would go on to make history again in May 1958 as the first Black student to graduate from Little Rock Central High.

The legacy of the Little Rock Nine is a reminder of the power of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Their story is a testament to the ongoing fight for civil rights and the importance of education as a pathway to equality. Their bravery opened doors for future generations, inspiring movements that continue to push for justice and fairness in education and beyond.