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Segregation Showdown at Little Rock Fifty years ago, Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., became the flash point for the nation's debate over civil rights and segregation. The enrollment of nine black children at an all-white school erupted into a story of conflict, pain and ultimately, progress toward racial integration.
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Segregation Showdown at Little Rock

Little Rock Remembers Troops' Arrival

On Sept. 24, 1957, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to force Little Rock to open Central High to nine black students. For many southerners, the event revived painful memories of occupation after the Civil War and exposed hidden racial fears.

Little Rock Remembers Troops' Arrival

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The Day Big Steps Were Taken at Little Rock

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock, Arkansas' Central High School. Confronted by hostile crowds, nine African-American students were ushered through the doors of the high school, forever challenging the nation's commitment to equal rights. Today, the students who made up the Little Rock Nine spoke to a sold-out crowd at Central High School.

The Day Big Steps Were Taken at Little Rock

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The Legacy of the 'Little Rock Nine'

Fifty years ago today, nine black students attended their first full day of classes at the previously all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. Has the demise of legal segregation lead to integration on all levels of American society? Guests and callers discuss the racial separation that persists in neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship.

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Walking to Class, Into the History Books

Fifty years ago, a group of black teenagers known as the Little Rock Nine faced down an angry white mob in Arkansas and integrated Central High School. Farai Chideya talks with three of the Little Rock Nine as they reflect back on that historic day, and recount their high school experiences.

Walking to Class, Into the History Books

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Central High Marks 50 Years of Desegregation

It's the 50th anniversary of the landmark effort to desegregate public schools in Little Rock, Ark. President Eisenhower ordered the 101st Airborne Division to make sure that black students were allowed to attend Central High.

Central High Marks 50 Years of Desegregation

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Remembering Louis Armstrong's Little Rock Protest

In September 1957, Louis Armstrong canceled his tour of the Soviet Union to protest the injustices in Little Rock, Arkansas. Scott Simon talks with Larry Lubenow, the then-student journalist who broke the story 50 years ago.

Remembering Louis Armstrong's Little Rock Protest

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Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine

Fifty years after the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., the role of activist Daisy Bates is still being debated. Bates helped recruit the Little Rock Nine, the first black students to attend the school. But some think she took much credit.

Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine

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Driveway Moments

One of the 'Little Rock Nine' Looks Back

A half-century ago, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus ordered troops from the Arkansas National Guard to Central High School because the Little Rock School Board had decided to allow nine black students to attend the previously all-white school. One of those students, Elizabeth Eckford, recalls that time.

One of the 'Little Rock Nine' Looks Back

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Recalling Little Rock's Segregation Battle

Fifty years ago in Little Rock, Ark., nine black children were thwarted in their attempt to attend the all-white Central High School. Members of the Arkansas National Guard, along with an angry mob, refused to let them into the school.

Recalling Little Rock's Segregation Battle

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Little Rock Marks Desegregation Anniversary

Fifty years ago this summer, the Little Rock, Ark., school board voted to integrate its public schools. That set off a confrontation that resulted in federal troops escorting black students into the schools. One of the students speaks about her experience as one of the "Little Rock Nine."

Little Rock Marks Desegregation Anniversary

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