Little Rock Nine

Definition

The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students who enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957, becoming pivotal figures in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. Their courageous efforts came in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The intense backlash and resistance they faced highlighted the deep-rooted racism in American society and underscored the broader movement for educational activism and reform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Rock Nine faced violent opposition when they tried to enter Central High School, prompting President Eisenhower to intervene by sending federal troops to protect them.
2. Their bravery brought national attention to the issue of school desegregation and played a crucial role in the ongoing civil rights struggle.
3. The event highlighted the tension between state laws supporting segregation and federal mandates for desegregation following Brown v. Board of Education.
4. Each member of the Little Rock Nine faced significant personal challenges, including harassment and isolation, as they integrated a previously all-white school.
5. The actions of the Little Rock Nine inspired many activists and became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice in education.

Review Questions

• How did the Little Rock Nine contribute to the desegregation movement following Brown v. Board of Education?
  • The Little Rock Nine were directly impacted by the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregated schools unconstitutional. Their enrollment at Little Rock Central High School served as a practical test of this ruling, demonstrating both the challenges and resistance to desegregation on a national stage. Their experiences exposed the deep-seated racism that persisted even after the legal victory, illustrating the need for continued advocacy and reform in education.
• What role did federal government intervention play in the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine?
  • Federal government intervention was crucial during the integration crisis at Little Rock Central High School. When Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus deployed the National Guard to prevent the Little Rock Nine from entering, President Eisenhower responded by sending federal troops to enforce their right to attend school. This intervention marked a significant moment where federal authority was used to uphold civil rights, highlighting the ongoing struggle between state resistance and federal mandates regarding desegregation.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Little Rock Nine on educational reform and civil rights in America.
  • The long-term impact of the Little Rock Nine on educational reform and civil rights in America is profound. Their courage and determination highlighted the ongoing challenges of desegregation, encouraging further activism within both local communities and nationwide civil rights organizations. The media coverage of their struggles brought national awareness to racial issues in education, influencing public opinion and policy changes aimed at achieving greater equity. Ultimately, their actions paved the way for future generations to continue fighting against racial discrimination, making them enduring symbols of resilience and hope in American history.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education: A landmark Supreme Court case from 1954 that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, setting a legal precedent for future civil rights cases.

Civil Rights Movement: A social and political movement during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and gaining equal rights for African Americans.

Desegregation: The process of ending the separation of races, particularly in schools and public facilities, which became a central focus of the civil rights movement.