LitteRockNine

=[|Little Rock Nine] = =="We kids did it mainly because we didn't know any better, but our parents were willing to put their careers, and their homes on the line." says Ernest Green  == ==Thesis Statement: What impact did the Little Rock Nine have on the Civil Rights Movement?  ==

Who were the Little Rock Nine?

 * Carlotta Walls, Jefferson Thomas, Gloria Ray, Ernest Green, Elizabth Eckford, Minnijean Brown, Thelma Mothershed, and Melba Pattillo.
 * First nine black students to attend Central High School in 1957 after its desegregation.

What was it like to attend Central High School?

 * Were verbally and physically abused.
 * Several attempts to enter school, until finally were able enter.
 * Crowds outside school chanted "Two, four, six, eight... We ain't gonna intergrate!"
 * Had to be escorted by national guard to and from classes.


 * Elizabeth Eckford said one day when she was turned out onto the streets after trying to enter school, " I tried to see a friendly face somewhere in the mob-someone who would help. I looked into the face of an old woman and it seemed a kind face, but when I looked at her again, she spat on me."
 * Minnijean Brown said on day after being harrassed multiple times, " I just cant take everything they throw at me without fighting back."
 * Later in the year, Ernest Green told reporters, "It's been an interesting year. I've had a course in human relations first hand."

Was Central High the first school to desegregate?

 * In 1955, Little Rock School Board adopted a plan for gradual desegregation (Blossom Plan)
 * The plan called for desegregation to begin at Central High School in the fall of 1957 and decline down the lower grades over the years.
 * Black schools stayed segregated due to attendence.
 * Students were given choice of which school they wanted to attend where there race was minority.

Where are the Little Rock Nine Today?
 ==The Little Rock Nine not only showed that blacks could fight for their rights and win, but they also brought the idea of segregation to the forefront of people's minds. They proved to Americans what extremes and horrible measures whites go to to keep blacks segregated and they've proved that anyone can make a difference if they believe they can and try. == 
 * 40 years after this momentous year these former students are living their lives to the fullest.
 * Everyone has a job and is supporting their family.
 * Most of them moved out of Little Rock except Elizabeth Eckford, who is still currently living there.
 * They are very happy to be where they are and they all thank their parents for all their support and faith in their achievements.