The success of Montgomery had a ripple effect on the rest of the protesters and activists, with local NAACP chapters and others fighting against segregation. The desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas was a major turning point in the desegregation movement.
When it came to education, southern whites were adamant on keeping it segregated. Campaigners that tried to stop desegregation were very aggressive in doing so. After the Brown decision was made and schools began to desegregate, 150 black students made their interest known to be able to attend Central High, which was currently in desegregation process. For some the effort to travel there would be less than before, while others wanted to make a statement.
The Board of Central High put up many screens to prevent these students from coming in, which cut down the applications to only nine. These students would soon become the Little Rock Nine.
Many obstacles were in the Little Rock Nine's way. The National Guard, for instance. On the black students' very first day, the Governor of Little Rock, Orville Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to bar them from entering the premises. The general white public of Little Rock and the students at Central High were also a hindrance. They threw abuse and punches left, right and center at the Little Rock Nine. The risk of death was so great that the President had to intervene and send military to protect the black students.
Many obstacles were in the Little Rock Nine's way. The National Guard, for instance. On the black students' very first day, the Governor of Little Rock, Orville Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to bar them from entering the premises. The general white public of Little Rock and the students at Central High were also a hindrance. They threw abuse and punches left, right and center at the Little Rock Nine. The risk of death was so great that the President had to intervene and send military to protect the black students.
Above: The Little Rock Nine with the NAACP leader Daisy Bates.
After this, slowly but surely, segregation was being undone, not just in Central High, but in schools around the U.S.