Little Rock Nine

The bravery and strength of the many young activists that we have learned about and talked to so far on this trip continues to amazes me. Today we went to the Little Rock Central High School and learned all about the Little Rock Nine.  The Little Rock Nine were nine African American students that were enrolled into Little Rock Central High School in 1957. The young girl that was enrolled that really inspired me was Elizabeth Eckford. On the second day of school at Little Rock Central High, Elizabeth Eckford arrived at school for the first time, by herself, completely unaware of what she was about to encounter. The streets outside of Little Rock Central High were covered with reporters, protestors, and soldiers. They were guarding the school and waiting around, dying to get the footage of the first African American to enroll in an all white high school. When Elizabeth Eckford approached the soldiers, hoping they would protect her, they would not let her pass. The protestors and reporters spotted her and began to block her in. She continued to walk down the street and get to the main entrance, but the protestors and reporters followed her. They screamed at her, spit on her, tried to hurt her, and hung a rope and threatened to lynch her. Despite all of this chaos around her, Elizabeth continued to stand tall and walk her way to the entrance of her high school. Elizabeth's strength really inspires me on another level. She could have ran, she could have screamed and cried, she could have turned to violence, but she didn't. She stayed true to what the Civil Rights Movement is all about and showed unbelieve strength. I hope deep down somewhere I have the strength and courage that she had that day. 

Jaida Collins
City Neighbors High School