Little Rock to Memphis

Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas and was one of the pivotal sites in the Civil Rights movement. In 1957 the state government continued to support segregated schools, despite the Supreme Court having ruled that segregation was illegal.  Nine black students bravely entered Central High School that fall.  The day before school started, the governor declared that he would not desegregate the schools.  He sent in state troopers with bayonets, to bar their entrance.  Local white segregationists, including white high school students, jeered, shoved, spewed hatred, and the children had to leave.  They continued to try.  President Eisenhower intervened in their behalf and even then the governor continued to try to bar them from the school.   It was a major battleground of state versus federal government over race relations.  President Eisenhower, after three weeks of legal battles and rioting in the city, sent in the 101st Airborne Division and, amid violent demonstrations, the nine students entered the school.  Television was still in its infancy and reporters at the school helped spread the word through TV as well as established media.  The "Little Rock Nine" persevered despite constant intimidation.  National Guard troops had to stay at the school all year to protect the children.  One girl was expelled for trying to stand up for herself.  The governor refused to back down, and in retaliation, the following year he closed all Little Rock high schools for the entire school year.  Three of the Little Rock Nine eventually graduated from Central High and the others completed their education at different schools.  Most continued their education and have had careers that focused on helping others.  They have received many accolades, including the nation's highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal.

This morning we visited Central High School and the National Park Service-run interpretive center across the street.  When I walked in and saw the first photo of one of the nine, it was a hugely emotional experience, bringing tears to my heart.  How brave these teenagers were and what an impact they made.