U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), spoke on the Senate floor in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine.
“The integration of Central High School serves as a poignant reminder of where we’ve been as a country, but also where we are headed. I am eager to work with my fellow Arkansans and all Americans as we pursue a better future for ourselves, our children and grandchildren,” Boozman said in the speech.
The following are Boozman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mr. President, I rise today to mark an important occasion in my home state of Arkansas and our country.
In September of 1957, nine young African American teens determined to receive the same education that had only been available to their white peers were the focus of an event that had repercussions throughout the nation.
When the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional in its 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, it paved the way for integration of public schools across the country.
Although the highest court in the land had spoken, the process of desegregating the public schools was complex and still faced incredible opposition.
Civil rights groups worked with citizens to help them enroll students of color in traditionally all-white schools. The Little Rock Nine were beneficiaries of such assistance from Daisy Bates and the Arkansas NAACP, among others.
On the first day of class in the fall of 1957, Little Rock Central High School became ground zero in the movement for public integration. Governor Orval Faubus called in the Arkansas National Guard amid threats from pro-segregationists to hold protests at Central High and prevent any African American students from entering the school.
Unfortunately, the Guard was initially deployed in order to help thwart the integration effort and as a result, Arkansas and Central High became a flashpoint that represented just how difficult integration would be, especially across the south.
Despite the hostility, there were forces within Little Rock that were working together to achieve a successful and peaceful public school desegregation, starting with Central High.
Eventually, President Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to Little Rock and federalized the Arkansas National Guard to protect the students and ensure public safety at a time when tensions were running very high throughout the city.
President Eisenhower’s actions helped make it possible for the Little Rock Nine to actually enter the school and attend class.
Even though they were allowed to attend Central High, the African American students were still subjected to a daunting amount of abuse and hostility. They told stories of being threatened and intimidated by fellow students and mistreated by the school’s administration.
Ernest Green; Elizabeth Eckford; Jefferson Thomas; Terrence Roberts; Carlotta Walls LaNier; Minnijean Brown; Gloria Ray Karlmark; Thelma Mothershed and Melba Pattillo Beals each chose to confront injustice and inequality in a very visible and courageous way.
These Arkansans are now icons of the civil rights movement. Their actions and willingness to step forward and face what they had to have known would be an incredibly difficult and emotional experience deserves celebration and recognition. And by resolving to carry out these actions at such a young age, the Little Rock Nine set an example for Americans of every age to follow – it takes courage to do the right thing in the face of overwhelming adversity.
That lesson has not been forgotten. Arkansas has come a long way since the integration of Central High. While there’s still work left to be done, Arkansans are proud of the progress that we’ve made.
Today, leaders and citizens across our state come together to promote equality and celebrate our diversity.
The theme of the 60th anniversary celebration of Central High’s integration is “Reflections of Progress.” This is so appropriate given that we have indeed made so much progress in the years that have followed the tumultuous start to integration.
In an effort to ensure the legacy of the Little Rock Nine lives on, exhibits and items recognizing their contributions are on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The museum itself is a moving experience that I highly recommend for every visitor to our nation’s capital.
For Arkansans, we have an added incentive to visit in order to see the displays honoring the brave actions and determination of these Little Rock teens. We are also grateful that these items are on view for the entire country to observe and reflect upon.
The integration of Central High School serves as a poignant reminder of where we’ve been as a country, but also where we are headed. I am eager to work with my fellow Arkansans and all Americans as we pursue a better future for ourselves, our children, and grandchildren.
I’m proud to support legislation introduced by my fellow Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton to extend the boundary of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in order to preserve the surroundings buildings.
It is inspiring to know that our state is taking the opportunity to appropriately mark this significant occasion.
I commend the City of Little Rock, the Little Rock School District, and the Central High Integration 60th Anniversary Committee for the hard work and preparation to properly honor and celebrate this historic milestone.
I want to thank all who have been involved in planning this celebration. I know it will provide many Arkansans the chance to remember and reflect upon the Central High integration and the Little Rock Nine, and also to educate younger generations about the struggle for equal rights.
We will certainly build upon this celebration to take another step forward by remembering our history and creating a brighter tomorrow.
