Nine courageous students who changed the course of American history, one step at a time through the doors of Central High School.
"It was like being a soldier on the front lines of a war that had to be fought."
— Ernest Green
Nine African American students attempted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. What should have been a normal first day of school became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
Facing angry mobs, federal troops, and daily harassment, these brave teenagers persevered to claim their right to equal education, paving the way for future generations.
1957-1958
Academic Year
Supreme Court declares school segregation unconstitutional
Arkansas National Guard prevents the Nine from entering school
Angry mob forces the students to leave school for their safety
President Eisenhower sends federal troops to escort students
Ernest Green becomes the first to graduate from Central High
Each student brought their own courage, dreams, and determination to this historic moment.
The first of the Little Rock Nine to graduate from Central High School in 1958.
Faced an angry mob alone on the first day when she missed the group meeting point.
The youngest of the nine, showed remarkable courage despite his age.
Went on to become a professor and psychologist, advocating for education.
The youngest female student, later became a real estate broker and author.
Known for her spirit and resilience, later expelled for retaliating against harassment.
Faced constant harassment but persevered, later became a magazine publisher.
Overcame health challenges and harassment to graduate and become a teacher.
Documented her experiences, later became a journalist and author.
"It was like being a soldier on the front lines of a war that had to be fought."
The first of the Little Rock Nine to graduate from Central High School in 1958.
Experience the powerful documentary footage and interviews that bring the courage and determination of the Little Rock Nine to life. This vintage television presentation honors their legacy in the style of the era.
The courage of the Little Rock Nine opened doors for countless students and demonstrated that change is possible when brave individuals stand up for what's right.
Their sacrifice ensured equal access to quality education for future generations.
They showed the world that dignity and perseverance can overcome hatred.
Their story continues to inspire civil rights movements worldwide.
This website was built using reliable historical sources to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Coutant, Linda. "9 Things You May Not Know About the Little Rock Nine." National Parks Conservation Association, 1 February 2023,https://www.npca.org/articles/3349-9-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-little-rock-nine. Accessed 20 March 2024.
Danzer, Gerald A., et al. "A New Nation." The Americans, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. Accessed 20 March 2024.
Jaynes, Gerald D., and Rebecca Hamlin. "Little Rock Nine | Names, Significance, Facts, & Segregation." Britannica, 8 March 2024,https://www.britannica.com/topic/Little-Rock-Nine. Accessed 19 March 2024.
Weingartner, Jessica. "The Little Rock Nine: Connecting 1957 to Today." Facing History, 14 September 2023,https://www.facinghistory.org/ideas-week/little-rock-nine-connecting-1957-today. Accessed 17 March 2024.
All information presented on this website has been carefully researched and cross-referenced using multiple reliable sources including academic publications, historical archives, and educational institutions to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity.
This Hackstory 2025 project was created to honor the legacy of the Little Rock Nine through modern technology.
Sole team member responsible for all aspects of this project including historical research, user interface design, and full-stack web development. Dedicated to bringing history to life through innovative digital storytelling and interactive experiences.
Historical accuracy & source verification
UI/UX & vintage aesthetic
Full-stack programming
"History should be preserved and shared in ways that inspire future generations to learn from the past and build a better tomorrow."