Introduction
The Little Rock Nine was a group of African American students who were enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in 1957. At that time, schools in the United States were segregated, and African American students were not allowed to attend schools with white students. The Little Rock Nine were the first African American students to integrate into a formerly all-white school in the South.
The Little Rock Nine Students Names
The Little Rock Nine consisted of nine students. Their names are:
- Ernest Green
- Elizabeth Eckford
- Jefferson Thomas
- Terrence Roberts
- Carlotta Walls LaNier
- Minnijean Brown
- Thelma Mothershed
- Melba Pattillo Beals
- Gloria Ray Karlmark
Ernest Green
Ernest Green was the first African American student to graduate from Little Rock Central High School. He was born on September 22, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, he went on to attend Michigan State University. He later worked for the Department of Labor and served as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training under President Jimmy Carter.
Elizabeth Eckford
Elizabeth Eckford was born on October 4, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas. On the first day of school, she was the only one of the Little Rock Nine who went to school alone. She was met with angry mobs and was not able to enter the school. She later became a probation officer and worked with troubled youth.
Jefferson Thomas
Jefferson Thomas was born on September 19, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the only male member of the Little Rock Nine. After graduating from high school, he attended Philander Smith College and later served in the U.S. Army. He worked for the Department of Defense and later became a motivational speaker.
Terrence Roberts
Terrence Roberts was born on December 3, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, he attended California State University, Los Angeles, and later earned a Ph.D. in psychology from Southern Illinois University. He worked as a professor and a consultant for educational and mental health programs.
Carlotta Walls LaNier
Carlotta Walls LaNier was born on December 18, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, she attended Colorado State University and later worked as a real estate broker.
Minnijean Brown
Minnijean Brown was born on September 27, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After being expelled from Little Rock Central High School for retaliating against her white tormentors, she moved to New York City and attended the New Lincoln School. She later worked as a social worker and a teacher in Canada.
Thelma Mothershed
Thelma Mothershed was born on September 29, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, she attended Southern Illinois University and later worked as a journalist and a teacher.
Melba Pattillo Beals
Melba Pattillo Beals was born on December 7, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, she attended San Francisco State University and later worked as a journalist and an author. She wrote a book about her experiences as a member of the Little Rock Nine called "Warriors Don't Cry."
Gloria Ray Karlmark
Gloria Ray Karlmark was born on September 26, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, she attended Illinois Institute of Technology and later worked as a biochemist.
Conclusion
The Little Rock Nine were brave pioneers who helped to break down the barriers of segregation in the United States. Their names will always be remembered as symbols of courage and determination. Their legacy lives on today, and their story serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done.