Scales of Justice
WHAT
Many white Americans, especially in the South, responded angrily to the Supreme Court’s rulings. They did not want public schools to be desegregated because they did not think that Black students deserved equal rights. But the Little Rock Nine fought for justice by standing up for their rights and against racism.
Lock
WHAT
A year after Central High was integrated, the Governor of Arkansas closed all of Little Rock’s public high schools. The public voted against integration and the schools remained closed for an entire year.
Protestors
WHAT
On September 4, 1957, the Little Rock Nine arrived for their first day of school at Central High.The 9 Black students were met by angry groups of white people outside the school, who were against school integration.
Daisy Bates
WHO
Daisy was the president of the Arkansas National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She recruited the Little Rock Nine based on their strength and determination to face resistance and bullying.
National Guard
WHAT
The Governor of Arkansas ordered that the Arkansas National Guard block the Little Rock Nine from entering the doors of Central High.
Gold Medal
HOW
The Little Rock Nine played a significant role in the civil rights movement. They helped desegregate schools which led to the desegregation of other public places. They were honored for their bravery and contributions by receiving a Congressional Gold Medal from President Clinton. The Little Rock Central High School Silver Dollar also pays tribute to their strength and determination.
Telephone
WHAT
8 of the 9 students arrived at school together by car pool. One of the students, Elizabeth Eckford, did not have a telephone, and could not be reached to let her know of the carpool plans.
School Building
WHERE
The Little Rock Nine made history at Central High School. Today, the building is a National Historic Site.
Heart
HOW
The Little Rock Nine represents a critical point in the civil rights movement which led to greater acceptance and equal rights for Black people in America. Though racism remains an issue today, the Little Rock Nine’s bravery was a major step towards racial equality and changed the country for the better.
Star (Army Emblem)
WHAT
It was not until President Eisenhower got the U.S. Army to escort the Little Rock Nine into school that the students could successfully enter. They finally had their first full day of school on September 25, 1957.
Flame
WHAT
Once in school, some of the Little Rock Nine continued to be bullied and hurt by white students for the rest of the school year.
Notebook
WHAT
Elizabeth arrived at school alone, with a notebook in hand, while white students and adults screamed and spat on her. They did not want Black students to join their school.
Mortarboard
WHAT
In May of 1958, Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine became the first Black graduate of Central High.
Gavel
WHY
In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to require Black and white students to attend separate schools in America (Brown v. Board of Education). Before this, many states had laws that forced Black and white children to go to different schools.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
