Little Rock Nine

Definition

The Little Rock Nine refers to a group of nine African American students who were the first to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. Their courageous actions were pivotal in challenging racial segregation in public schools and highlighted the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the United States. This event came about after the landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education, which declared that state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students were unconstitutional.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Rock Nine faced extreme hostility and violence from segregationists when they attempted to enter Central High School, demonstrating the intense resistance to desegregation in the South.
2. President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to protect the Little Rock Nine and ensure their right to attend school, marking a significant federal commitment to enforcing desegregation.
3. The Little Rock Nine's experience highlighted the gap between federal law and local enforcement, as many Southern states resisted integrating public schools despite federal rulings.
4. Each member of the Little Rock Nine had to show immense bravery and resilience as they dealt with harassment and threats while trying to receive an education.
5. Their story became a symbol of the civil rights movement, inspiring further activism and legal challenges against segregation across the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Little Rock Nine influence public perception of school desegregation?
  • The actions of the Little Rock Nine significantly influenced public perception by bringing national attention to the challenges and violence faced during school desegregation. Their bravery in confronting hostile crowds and legal obstacles sparked widespread outrage and sympathy across the country, which helped galvanize support for civil rights. The televised images of their struggles illustrated the urgent need for change, pushing more Americans to advocate for equality in education.
• Evaluate the role of federal government intervention during the integration of Central High School in Little Rock.
  • Federal government intervention played a critical role during the integration of Central High School. When Governor Orval Faubus used state National Guard troops to block entry for the Little Rock Nine, President Eisenhower responded by sending federal troops to ensure their safety and uphold their right to attend school. This intervention demonstrated a commitment to enforcing desegregation laws and set a precedent for future federal involvement in civil rights issues.
• Analyze how the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine contributed to broader civil rights advancements in the United States during the 1960s.
  • The events surrounding the Little Rock Nine were instrumental in shaping broader civil rights advancements during the 1960s. Their experience highlighted both the violent resistance to desegregation and the need for stronger federal enforcement of civil rights laws. This led to increased activism, influencing key legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed at dismantling systemic racism and protecting voting rights for African Americans across the nation.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, setting a precedent for the civil rights movement.

Civil Rights Movement: A decades-long struggle by African Americans and their allies to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights under the law, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.

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