In 1957, Little Rock Central High School became a focal point in the struggle for civil rights when nine African American teenagers, Little Rock Nine, were enrolled in the previously all-white school, following the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
The Little Rock School District accepted these nine Black teenagers. In reality, they faced strong opposition. This resistance included threats and acts of violence, reflecting the deep-rooted racial tensions of the time.
However, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, influenced by segregationists and his own stance against integration, called in the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the teens from entering the school, claiming to maintain public safety. The focus was more on the little rock nine being prevented to enter the school, less about protection from the violent crowds.
As the situation intensified, President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened, sending the 101st Airborne Division to guarantee the safety of the students and uphold the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which made racial segregation in public schools illegal. Eisenhower’s speech helped reinforcing the importance of following the Supreme Court's decision and supporting the military's role in protecting the students and upholding the law.
It was essentially considered that once resistance ended, Little Rock would return to normalcy, also helping to restore the U.S.’s image as one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Media coverage helped shape public opinion and sometimes was accused of blowing it out of the proportions. However, the widespread racial prejudices and systemic discrimination at the time were bigger issues.
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