Talented Generation Salutes

The Little Rock Nine

Ernest Green

Elizabeth Eckford

Jefferson Thomas

Terrence Roberts

Carlotta Walls LaNier

Minnijean Brown

Gloria Ray Karlmark

Thelma Mothershed

Melba Beals

The people listed above are the first nine students to attend Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Collectively, they have been nicknamed "The Little Rock Nine." The ensuing Little Rock Crisis, in which the students were initially prevented from entering the racially segregated school by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, and then attended after the intervention of President Eisenhower, is considered to be one of the most important events in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Background:

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its historic Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483, on May 17, 1954. The decision declared all laws establishing segregated schools to be unconstitutional, and it called for the desegregation of all schools throughout the nation. After the decision the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) attempted to register black students in previously all-white schools in cities throughout the South. In Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, the Little Rock School Board agreed to comply with the high court's ruling. Virgil Blossom, the Superintendent of Schools, submitted a plan of gradual integration to the school board on May 24, 1955, which the board unanimously approved. The plan would be implemented during the 1958 school year, which would begin in September 1957. By 1957, the NAACP had registered nine black students to attend the previously all-white Little Rock Central High, selected on the criteria of excellent grades and attendance.

In the summer of 1957, the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, made plans to desegregate its public schools. Within a week of the 1954 landmark Supreme Court decision striking down racial segregation in public schools, Arkansas was one of two Southern states to announce it would begin immediately to take steps to comply with the new "law of the land." Arkansas' law school had been integrated since 1949. By 1957, seven of its eight state universities had desegregated. Blacks had been appointed to state boards and elected to local offices.

Little Rock felt it could break down the barriers of segregation in its schools with a carefully developed program. It had already desegregated its public buses, as well as its zoo, library and parks system. Its school board had voted unanimously for a plan, starting with desegregation in the high school in 1957, followed by junior high schools the next year and elementary schools following.

But the smooth transition to the school system's integration was not to be.

On September 2, the night before school was to start, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus called out the state's National Guard to surround Little Rock Central High School and prevent any black students from entering in order to protect citizens and property from possible violence by protesters he claimed were headed in caravans toward Little Rock.

A federal judge granted an injunction against the Governor's use of National Guard troops to prevent integration and they were withdrawn on September 20.
As described by school's newspaper The Tiger, the Negro students had made 3 attempts to attend classes at Central. For three weeks the Arkansas National Guard had patrolled the school on orders of Governor Orval Faubus. 

When school resumed on Monday, September 23, Central High was surrounded by Little Rock policemen. About 1,000 people gathered in front of the school. The police escorted the nine black students to a side door where they quietly entered the building as classes were to begin. When the mob learned the blacks were inside, they began to challenge the police and surge toward the school with shouts and threats. Fearful the police would be unable to control the crowd, the school administration withdrew the students shortly after noon the same day.

If you're interested, here are accounts of what the 2000 current students at Little Rock Central High School thought of those eventful days as printed in The Tiger.

At the request of Little Rock Mayor Woodrow Mann, on September 24, President Eisenhower dispatched troops to the area and the President also federalized the entire Arkansas National Guard, taking it away from the Governor.

On September 25, 1957, the nine black students entered the school under the protection of 1,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. Minnijean Brown Trickey recalls being “horrified” that military troops were there to keep her out of school, rather than to protect her from the mob.
In 1997, President Clinton participated in a 40 year anniversary celebration during which he met the Little Rock Nine for the first time. Pictured below is Elizabeth Eckford as she receives the Congressional Gold Medal on November 9, 1999.  Click here for a video about the incident forty years later.
Today, Central High is not only a national landmark but also a functioning high school. Central produces more national merit scholars every year than any other Arkansas school and has one of the state's most respected athletic programs. Central also hosts an International Studies magnet program. While students at Central are aware of the history, they've made the school more than its history. They've given the school a present too. Here in Arkansas, when we speak of Little Rock Central, it's normally for the more positive aspects of the school rather than the infamous event that will always hover over its halls.
What the Little Rock nine experienced in their fight to receive their education is nothing short of hell on earth. The next time you walk inside your school's doors, remember that there was a time when African American students had to be escorted into their learning facilities. The next time you find yourself tempted to quit a task before it is finished remember that students were abused and downright harassed so that you may have the opportunities that you have today. As young professionals, we must start taking responsibility for our actions and for the state of our community. All too often we are described as being disrespectful, ungrateful, crackberry using, texting, tweeting, Facebooking and all around unconcerned about the world. We are not the target audience for newspapers and politicians.
We are not respected for our abilities in the work place. The courage of these students is enough to inspire the world, yet it seems we take their struggle for granted. Younger people disrespect our teachers, we disrespect our parents, we disrespect each other. We buy into the dog-eat-dog mentality when WE DON’T HAVE TO! Believe that we are the future of every single corporation, small business, multinational organization and everything in between. CEO's don’t live forever, they will pass the torch someday. Although we do not have to be escorted to school anymore, young professionals must still rise up and fight for our rights. We must band together and show that we are honorable, underappreciated, sufficient and we are the next generation of leaders. Take pride in who you are and embrace your fellow brethren. Do not allow race, gender, national origin, or religious beliefs to influence your attitudes about your friends. Starting today, we stand united by our status as Young Professionals. If you see your brethren struggling, lend a hand. If you are struggling, ask for one. Reach out to each other and unite for it is the only way we will show the world that we still care about making a difference.
I am not sure if I could endure the hell the Little Rock Nine endured, but I am willing to stand up for my generation. 
For their valor, strength and their impact on the American education system (among other things) Talented Generation salutes the Little Rock Nine!!