Little Rock Nine

Definition

The Little Rock Nine refers to a group of nine African American students who enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in 1957, marking a significant event in the American civil rights movement. Their attendance was met with intense resistance, including the intervention of the Arkansas National Guard to prevent them from entering the school. This event highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions in the U.S. and became a pivotal moment in the struggle for desegregation and equal rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Rock Nine were initially prevented from entering Little Rock Central High School on September 4, 1957, by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, who deployed the National Guard.
2. President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to escort the students into the school, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to enforcing desegregation.
3. The event drew national attention, highlighting the violent backlash against desegregation and galvanizing support for the civil rights movement.
4. Despite facing harassment and hostility from some students and community members, the Little Rock Nine completed their school year at Central High.
5. Their bravery inspired future generations of activists and played a crucial role in advancing civil rights legislation in the following years.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Little Rock Nine challenge societal norms regarding segregation in education during the late 1950s?
  • The Little Rock Nine challenged societal norms by bravely integrating a previously all-white school, which was a direct defiance of segregation laws upheld in many Southern states. Their presence at Little Rock Central High School forced the nation to confront the harsh realities of segregation and racism, showcasing both their determination for equality and the violent opposition they faced. This act of courage ultimately helped shift public opinion towards supporting civil rights.
• Analyze the significance of federal intervention in the Little Rock Nine incident and its impact on future civil rights activism.
  • Federal intervention during the Little Rock Nine incident was significant as it demonstrated the federal government's role in upholding civil rights against state resistance. By sending federal troops to ensure the students' safety, President Eisenhower signaled that the enforcement of desegregation was a national priority. This pivotal moment inspired future civil rights activists by showcasing that federal support could be crucial in combating systemic racism and facilitating integration efforts across the country.
• Evaluate how the experiences of the Little Rock Nine reflect broader themes within the Civil Rights Movement, including resilience and resistance against oppression.
  • The experiences of the Little Rock Nine reflect broader themes of resilience and resistance within the Civil Rights Movement as these students faced immense adversity while pursuing their right to an integrated education. Their unwavering commitment to attending Central High School despite threats and hostility symbolizes the struggle against racial injustice. This episode served as a microcosm of the larger movement, illustrating how individual acts of courage can ignite collective action toward achieving equality and inspire nationwide reforms in civil rights policy.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education:

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.

Civil Rights Movement:

A social movement in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination and gaining equal rights for African Americans, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.

Integration:

The process of bringing people of different races into equal membership in society, particularly concerning schools and public facilities.