Who are the 9 students at Little Rock? A Deep Dive into the Little Rock Nine

Who are the 9 students at Little Rock? A Deep Dive into the Little Rock Nine

The names of the Little Rock Nine are etched in American history, representing a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. These nine African American teenagers bravely chose to integrate Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957, defying segregation laws and facing immense opposition. Their courage and resilience paved the way for desegregation in schools across the United States.

The Nine Students Who Broke Barriers

The Little Rock Nine were:

• Ernest Green: The oldest of the group, Ernest was a senior. He went on to attend Michigan State University and later worked in public service.
• Elizabeth Eckford: Her solitary walk to school, met with a hostile mob and famously captured in photographs, became an iconic image of the struggle. She eventually graduated from Little Rock Central High School and earned a degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
• Jefferson Thomas: A determined and often quiet member of the group, Jefferson later served in the U.S. Air Force and worked in government.
• Terrence Roberts: Terrence was a junior at the time. He pursued a career in education and also became an author.
• Carlotta Walls LaNier: Carlotta was the youngest of the Little Rock Nine. She went on to attend Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado) and had a successful career in real estate.
• Minnijean Brown Trickey: Minnijean faced significant harassment and was eventually expelled for defending herself against an aggressor. She later graduated from a high school in New York City and had a career in social work.
• Gloria Ray Karlmark: Gloria was a studious and focused student. She earned a degree in education and later lived and worked in Europe.
• Thelma Mothersheds: Thelma was known for her calm demeanor. She went on to attend college and worked in various administrative roles.
• Melba Pattillo Beals: Melba became a prominent voice among the Nine, documenting her experiences in her memoir, "Warriors Don't Cry." She pursued a career in journalism and later became a college professor.

The Journey of Integration

In the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional, Arkansas was still resistant to integration. The Little Rock School District was ordered to desegregate, and after careful consideration and selection, these nine students were chosen to attend the all-white Little Rock Central High School.

Their first day on September 4, 1957, was met with chaos. Governor Orval Faubus deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the African American students from entering the school, citing fears of violence. This act of defiance against federal law was a major turning point.

"We were not just going to school; we were on a mission to break down a wall of segregation. It was terrifying, but we knew what we were doing was right." - Melba Pattillo Beals

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, seeing the defiance of federal law and the potential for widespread disorder, intervened. On September 24, 1957, he federalized the Arkansas National Guard and sent in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to escort the Little Rock Nine into Central High School. For weeks, these soldiers stood guard, ensuring the students' safety as they navigated a hostile environment.

The students endured daily taunts, threats, and physical abuse from white students and some adults. Despite the hardships, they persevered. Their attendance at Central High School was a testament to their bravery and the nation's commitment to upholding civil rights.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Little Rock Nine

How did the Little Rock Nine get chosen to integrate Central High School?

The students were selected by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) through a rigorous application process. They were chosen based on their academic records, their ability to withstand pressure, and the willingness of their parents to support their participation in this historic endeavor.

Why was Governor Faubus so opposed to integration?

Governor Faubus was a politician who, at the time, was catering to the segregationist sentiments of many white Arkansans. He believed that enforcing integration would lead to riots and violence, and he used this as a justification for his defiance of the federal court order. His actions were a direct challenge to the authority of the federal government.

What happened to the Little Rock Nine after their year at Central High School?

While they endured immense hardship during their year at Central High, their participation was a success in breaking down segregation barriers. Most of them completed their high school education, though some transferred to other schools due to ongoing harassment. They all went on to pursue higher education and careers, becoming influential figures in their own right.