Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock.  It is a city that would probably never make your list of top ten places to visit in your lifetime.  Yet, Little Rock holds a rich piece of American history that became one of the many defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement.  If you don’t know what happened there, you should read about it.  The story is an incredibly inspiring account of life after segregation for nine young African American students.  At the time, I don’t think they realized the magnitude of change that their actions would reach.  But with remarkable courage and unvarying bravery, these nine young people fought not only for their own civil rights, but for the civil rights for all African Americans.  

After the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which overruled the “separate but equal” doctrine, the courts mandated that desegregation in the schools must begin.  However, the way in which schools were supposed to do this was unclear, and many schools remained as they were, “separate but equal.”  It wasn’t until 1957, three years later, that the Brown v. Board of Education decision would be put to the test.  The governor of Arkansas, Governor Faubus, believed that it was unconstitutional to require schools to integrate and used the National Guard to bar African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School.  However, nine African American high school students aged 14-16 voluntarily transferred to Central High School to fight for their rights.  They rightfully believed that separate could never be equal and although they would not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities at Central High School, they knew that if they did not take a stand now that things would never change.  So, they endured physical and verbal harassment for the entire school year.

In visiting Central High School, you can really feel the scale of importance of the Little Rock Nine’s courageous acts.  Their bravery is incredibly inspiring and serves as a reminder that separate is not equal and we must continue to advocate for our students, providing equity in educational opportunities for all.

When I took a look at our travel schedule for this year, I thought Little Rock was going to be my least favorite place to visit.  Now, as I reflect on the experience, it was my favorite trip so far.  The knowledge and perspective I gained from a town so different from my own is indescribable.  I think everyone should get a chance to see something like that.