What Happened When African American Students First Arrived At Central High School In Little Rock?A. They Were Turned Away By Members Of The Arkansas National Guard.B. They Were Escorted Into The Building By Federal Troops.C. They Were Effectively

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The Little Rock Nine: A Turning Point in American History

In 1957, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded in Little Rock, Arkansas, as African American students attempted to integrate Central High School. The event marked a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement, as it highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions and resistance to change in the United States. In this article, we will delve into the events that transpired when African American students first arrived at Central High School in Little Rock.

In the aftermath of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, the Little Rock School District was faced with the daunting task of implementing desegregation. The district's plan to integrate Central High School, which had been all-white since its inception, was met with fierce resistance from local white residents and the Arkansas National Guard.

The Arrival of the Little Rock Nine

On September 4, 1957, nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, arrived at Central High School, accompanied by federal troops. The students, who were chosen for their academic excellence and leadership potential, were:

  1. Melba Pattillo Beals
  2. Elizabeth Eckford
  3. Ernest Green
  4. Thelma Mothershed Wair
  5. Gloria Ray Karlmark
  6. Carlotta Walls LaNier
  7. Terrence Roberts
  8. Jefferson Thomas
  9. Minnijean Brown Trickey

The Arkansas National Guard's Response

The Arkansas National Guard, led by Governor Orval Faubus, had been deployed to prevent the integration of Central High School. On the first day of school, the Guard blocked the entrance to the school, preventing the Little Rock Nine from entering. The students, however, were determined to attend school and were eventually escorted into the building by federal troops.

On September 25, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deployed federal troops to Little Rock to enforce the integration of Central High School. The troops, led by Major General Edwin A. Walker, were tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the Little Rock Nine. The federal intervention marked a significant turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, as it demonstrated the federal government's commitment to enforcing desegregation.

The resistance to integration at Central High School had far-reaching consequences. The Arkansas National Guard's actions were widely condemned, and Governor Faubus was criticized for his role in the crisis. The federal government's intervention, however, marked a significant shift in the balance of power, as it demonstrated the federal government's willingness to enforce desegregation.

The Little Rock Nine's bravery and determination in the face of adversity have made them an iconic symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. Their actions paved the way for future generations of African American students, who would go on to integrate schools across the United States. The Little Rock Nine's legacy extends beyond their own experiences, as they have inspired countless individuals to fight for justice and equality.

The arrival of the Little Rock Nine at Central High School in 1957 marked a pivotal moment in American history. The event highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions and resistance to change in the United States, but also demonstrated the federal government's commitment to enforcing desegregation. The Little Rock Nine's bravery and determination have made them an iconic symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, and their legacy continues to inspire individuals to fight for justice and equality.

  • 1954: The Supreme Court declares segregation in public schools unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education.
  • 1957: The Little Rock School District announces plans to integrate Central High School.
  • September 4, 1957: The Little Rock Nine arrive at Central High School, accompanied by federal troops.
  • September 25, 1957: President Eisenhower deploys federal troops to Little Rock to enforce the integration of Central High School.
  • 1958: The Little Rock Nine graduate from Central High School, marking a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Melba Pattillo Beals: One of the Little Rock Nine, who became a prominent civil rights activist and author.
  • Elizabeth Eckford: One of the Little Rock Nine, who became a prominent civil rights activist and author.
  • Ernest Green: The first African American student to graduate from Central High School, who went on to become a prominent civil rights activist and educator.
  • Governor Orval Faubus: The Governor of Arkansas who deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the integration of Central High School.
  • President Dwight D. Eisenhower: The President of the United States who deployed federal troops to Little Rock to enforce the integration of Central High School.
    The Little Rock Nine: A Q&A

The Little Rock Nine's bravery and determination in the face of adversity have made them an iconic symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Little Rock Nine and their historic integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

A: The Little Rock Nine's integration of Central High School was a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement. It marked the first time that African American students had been allowed to attend a previously all-white high school in the South, and it paved the way for future generations of African American students to integrate schools across the United States.

A: The Little Rock Nine were nine African American students who were chosen to integrate Central High School in 1957. They were:

  1. Melba Pattillo Beals
  2. Elizabeth Eckford
  3. Ernest Green
  4. Thelma Mothershed Wair
  5. Gloria Ray Karlmark
  6. Carlotta Walls LaNier
  7. Terrence Roberts
  8. Jefferson Thomas
  9. Minnijean Brown Trickey

A: The Arkansas National Guard, led by Governor Orval Faubus, had been deployed to prevent the integration of Central High School. On the first day of school, the Guard blocked the entrance to the school, preventing the Little Rock Nine from entering.

A: President Eisenhower deployed federal troops to Little Rock to enforce the integration of Central High School. The troops, led by Major General Edwin A. Walker, were tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the Little Rock Nine.

A: The resistance to the Little Rock Nine's integration of Central High School had far-reaching consequences. The Arkansas National Guard's actions were widely condemned, and Governor Faubus was criticized for his role in the crisis. The federal government's intervention, however, marked a significant shift in the balance of power, as it demonstrated the federal government's willingness to enforce desegregation.

A: The Little Rock Nine's integration of Central High School had a significant impact on the Civil Rights Movement. It marked a turning point in the movement, as it demonstrated the federal government's commitment to enforcing desegregation. The event also inspired other African American students to integrate schools across the United States, paving the way for future generations of civil rights activists.

A: The Little Rock Nine have achieved many notable things since their integration of Central High School. Some of their notable achievements include:

  • Melba Pattillo Beals became a prominent civil rights activist and author.
  • Elizabeth Eckford became a prominent civil rights activist and author.
  • Ernest Green became the first African American student to graduate from Central High School and went on to become a prominent civil rights activist and educator.
  • The Little Rock Nine were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998 for their bravery and determination in the face of adversity.

A: There are many resources available to learn more about the Little Rock Nine and their historic integration of Central High School. Some of these resources include:

  • The Little Rock Nine's official website
  • The National Park Service's website, which provides information on the Little Rock Nine's integration of Central High School
  • The book "Warriors Don't Cry" by Melba Pattillo Beals, which provides a firsthand account of the Little Rock Nine's experiences
  • The documentary "The Little Rock Nine," which provides a comprehensive look at the Little Rock Nine's integration of Central High School.