Little Rock Nine

Definition

The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students who, in 1957, were the first to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, following the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Their enrollment was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, showcasing the resistance to school desegregation and the struggle for educational equality in the face of intense opposition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Rock Nine faced violent protests and harassment from segregationists when they attempted to attend Central High School, highlighting the intense opposition to desegregation.
2. President Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to protect the Little Rock Nine and ensure their right to attend school, demonstrating federal support for desegregation.
3. The Little Rock Nine's struggle gained national attention and became a symbol of the civil rights movement, inspiring further actions towards educational equality.
4. Despite their bravery, the Little Rock Nine experienced significant emotional and psychological trauma due to the hostility they faced at school.
5. Central High School was eventually closed for a year in 1958 as part of a strategy called 'massive resistance' against desegregation efforts.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Little Rock Nine challenge existing attitudes toward school segregation in the United States?
  • The actions of the Little Rock Nine directly challenged the entrenched attitudes toward school segregation by demonstrating that African American students would assert their right to equal education as mandated by Brown v. Board of Education. Their courageous attempt to integrate Central High School exposed the deep-seated racism and resistance present in many communities. The violent backlash they faced highlighted the societal divide over civil rights, igniting further dialogue and activism around educational equality.
• Evaluate how Governor Orval Faubus's response to the Little Rock Nine reflected broader tensions surrounding desegregation during this period.
  • Governor Orval Faubus's response—using National Guard troops to prevent the Little Rock Nine from entering Central High School—reflected a broader pattern of resistance against desegregation seen across the South. His actions were indicative of many Southern leaders' commitment to maintaining segregation and their refusal to comply with federal mandates. This resistance not only intensified local tensions but also illustrated how state officials could obstruct federal efforts to enforce civil rights legislation, making it a significant moment in the struggle for educational equality.
• Assess the long-term impact of the Little Rock Nine on subsequent civil rights initiatives and policies regarding education in America.
  • The long-term impact of the Little Rock Nine was profound, as their experiences became emblematic of the struggles faced by many African Americans during the civil rights movement. Their courage galvanized public support for desegregation and encouraged further legal challenges against discriminatory practices in education. The visibility of their plight led to stronger federal policies supporting civil rights, such as increased enforcement of desegregation laws and greater protections for minority students. The Little Rock Nine's legacy continues to inspire ongoing advocacy for educational equity and justice.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, setting the stage for desegregation efforts across the United States.

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans, which included actions like those taken by the Little Rock Nine.

Governor Orval Faubus: The Governor of Arkansas who opposed school integration and used the National Guard to prevent the Little Rock Nine from entering Central High School.