Little Rock Nine Research Paper

Little Rock Nine

The Little Rock Nine. I’m sure for some it rings a bell, but for others it might not. Everyone should know about the Little Rock Nine, because this was a major event in America’s history. This is an event that made America the free land it is today.

The Little Rock Nine were nine African-American teenagers who sought to attend Little Rock Central High School in the Fall of 1957. The supreme court had ruled segregated schools unconstitutional in the 1954 Brown vs Board of Education case. A couple years later, nine African-American students began to try and attend segregated schools. This was both historic and tragic at the same time. Because of this, much violence broke out in the South.

Reporters and photographers from

across the country traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas to witness and record something historic. September 4th was the first day of school for Little Rock Central High in 1957. This was also the date that Elizabeth Eckford, a 15-year-old African-American female, attempted to enter Little Rock Central High. Unfortunately she was forced off school grounds by Arkansas National Guardsmen. Arkansas governor Oral Faubus ordered the guardsmen to be put there under the pretense of preventing bloodshed. The governor also spent several days isolated in his Little Rock mansion. While there, the governor would answer letters from segregationist supporting his anti-integration resolve. As you would think, it was about time the president got involved, which of course he did.
President Dwight Eisenhower met with governor Faubus. The two discussed the situation and attempted to come up with a solution. After the president and governor talked, the Arkansas National Guardsmen were removed from school grounds.
The nine African-American students finally entered the school on September 23rd, 1957, but unfortunately they were sent home during lunchtime due to the fear of their safety. Although the nine students were now able to attend school, they still had to deal with threats and other acts of discrimination. But it was all worth it, because at the end of the year 8 of the 9 students had successfully completed the school year.
In a way, these students had won. They ignored the threats and violent acts of others and got their EQUAL education that they, as American citizens had the right to. Everyone should know the story of the Little Rock Nine, because like I said before, this is, not only a story but a true event of nine incredibly brave, courageous teenagers who sought to change society and make America a better place.