History The Civil Rights Movement Questions Medium
The Little Rock Nine refers to a group of nine African American students who were enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in 1957. The key events and outcomes of the Little Rock Nine are as follows:
1. Brown v. Board of Education: In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This decision paved the way for the integration of schools across the United States.
2. Little Rock Central High School: In 1957, the Little Rock School Board decided to integrate Little Rock Central High School in compliance with the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. This decision faced significant opposition from white segregationists in Arkansas.
3. The Little Rock Nine: Nine African American students, Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Minnijean Brown, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed, and Melba Pattillo Beals, were selected to be the first African American students to attend Little Rock Central High School.
4. The Little Rock Crisis: On September 4, 1957, the first day of school, Elizabeth Eckford attempted to enter the school but was met with a hostile white mob and was unable to enter. This event gained national attention and sparked outrage.
5. President Eisenhower's Intervention: In response to the violence and resistance faced by the Little Rock Nine, President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered federal troops from the 101st Airborne Division to escort the students into the school on September 25, 1957. This marked the first time since the Reconstruction era that federal troops were used to enforce desegregation.
6. Completion of the School Year: Despite ongoing harassment and discrimination, the Little Rock Nine continued attending classes at Central High School throughout the school year. They faced immense challenges, including verbal and physical abuse, but their determination and resilience inspired many across the nation.
7. Long-term Impact: The Little Rock Nine's bravery and the federal intervention in the Little Rock Crisis highlighted the struggle for civil rights and the need for further desegregation efforts. Their actions played a significant role in advancing the Civil Rights Movement and paved the way for future integration in schools and other public institutions.
In conclusion, the key events and outcomes of the Little Rock Nine include the initial resistance and violence faced by the students, President Eisenhower's intervention, the completion of the school year despite ongoing challenges, and the long-term impact on the Civil Rights Movement.