Little Rock Nine

Little Rock Nine

60th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine. This painting of the courageous nine young African-American students who stood their ground against racial segregation 60 years ago hung in the Clinton White House. It is now displayed in the museum of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. Their bravery, aided by US troops ordered in by President Eisenhower in the face of fierce resistance, desegragated Little Rock schools. The LR9 in September 1957 fought for the right of children everywhere to attend the school of their choice without regard to race. They endured innumerable insults and bullying, name-calling, tripping, bodily threats and other actions no young person should have to ever go through. Now they are welcomed back to their neighborhood as the heroes they are. I visited Central High School this morning and took this picture. It is a beautiful school and thriving area. I am still shaking and we have work to do 60 years later, for the children.