On Sept. 24, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deployed federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to guide nine Black students into Central High School. Known as the Little Rock Nine, these young students became icons of determination in a movement toward desegregation in America’s public schools. Sixty-eight years later, we pay homage to their bravery —and remember their names. Here’s a glimpse at each of the nine and their enduring contributions.
Ernest Green
Ernest Green, the sole senior in the group, made history in 1958 by becoming the first Black graduate of Central High School. His graduation ceremony was honored by the presence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Following this milestone, Green embarked on an extraordinary journey, serving as assistant secretary of labor under President Jimmy Carter and later thriving as a successful investment banker.
Elizabeth Eckford
Eckford’s journey through a hostile crowd on her first day of school created one of the most lasting images of the Civil Rights Movement. She later enlisted in the United States Army, worked as a probation officer, and continued to advocate publicly for the significance of resilience and racial justice.
Jefferson Thomas
Jefferson Thomas was a sophomore during the integration. Thomas eventually became the first of the Little Rock Nine to earn a college degree. He worked as an accountant for the Department of Defense and remained an active volunteer with the NAACP until he died in 2010.
Minnijean Brown Trickey
Known for her quiet resilience, Brown Trickey was ultimately expelled from Central High after responding to ongoing harassment. She later pursued a career as a social worker and educator, taking on roles in both Canada and the United States. She has consistently been a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice.
Source: The Little Rock Nine Made History On This Day 68 Years Ago
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