(September 1957-1958)
Melba Pattillo Beals
Minnijean Brown-Trickey
Elizabeth Eckford
Ernest Green
Gloria Ray Karlmark
Carlotta Walls Lanier
Thelma Mothershed-Wair
Terrence Roberts
Jefferson Thomas
Integrated Little Rock Central High School (September 1957)
Guided by NAACP member Daisy Bates

Their attempt to integrate an all-white school became part of the heated debate concerning states' rights.
The Governor of Arkansas prevented them from entering the high school by dispatching the National Guard.
President Dwight Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne Division to protect them, angering many Southerners.
They appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' to confront some of the white students who tormented them.

They were among the first African-Americans who courageously integrated public schools following the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education ruling.
They dealt with physical and verbal abuse in school, as well as violent protests by angry mobs outside the school.
They inspired many young adults across the United States to get involved in the Civil Rights Movement.
President Bill Clinton presented them with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor (1999).
The NAACP presented them with the Springarn Medal for outstanding achievement (1958).

Credit: D

http://aia.li/18975

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