dezz writes essays

little rock nine • TW: topics of racism!!

note: as shown above, this essay is a little darker, but obv from a perspective that i can talk about, and isn't blatantly offensive or harmful. ik some ppl just get uncomfy, so a warning is still included!! please lmk if any of this is inaccurate. - dezzy

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Comprehensively, segregation's progression as a whole, though debated consistently, can be contemplated as improvement. However, to truly understand the overwhelming, efficacious impact the Civil Rights movement has in comparison to such overwhelming uproars alike, you must consider all of the details; and in which, how nine Black children changed the face of segregation in schools.

In an continuously ever-altered world, whose adaptations directly affect the culture of today, 'rose-colored glasses' can be applied by those blind to the blatantly dehumanizing acts from the year 1957. Scrutiny shifted to Arkansas's Little Rock Central High School in a highly critical manner through various biases regarding America's not-so-new Jim Crow Laws. Prior to the incidents that took place at Little Rock, heated debates nationwide struck political powers with distraught. Reluctant to take action due to such circumstances and the country split in two, the flames rose higher; meaning it was no better to add the Little Rock Nine into the mixture. With public awareness rising rapidly, the group of nine became a country behind them in support. Even so, the striking display of the beginnings of equality astonished most- especially those negatory in favor.

An unacceptable match to mix, pro-segregational opposers would say, if talking about Blacks and Whites. Though, in the state America found itself knees-deep in this spanned farther than crude squabble. It was unheard of, with altercations purging the races' father apart- and therefore abolished in much time before the Little Rock Nine's story spread. When summer passed and school began at the High, the few involved faced an unprovoked blockade which prevented their entry; and their chance to feel dignified most importantly. Denied all rights whatsoever to gain access into the school, the Nine were desperate for a solution.

The group named Little Rock Nine consisted of Ernest Green, Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls. Each was within the age range of fifteen to seventeen years, making their course of action tricky, yet effective. An age range typically ridiculed as vulnerable and lacking rationality could easily be proven different; something that took courage. The Nine had moving courage, and more. Ernest Green was the only senior in high school out of the few, meaning he'd graduate sooner than the rest. However, this didn't stop the group; they compiled a plan of brave demeanor- one to be the first to desegregate Little Rock Central High School. Consequently, the outcome was highly unpredictable; in the best way at that. Firstly, to shake the typical agenda in the captivating way that they did was the best way to gain a rousing audience. Using that knowledge, this handful of school-kids took that to their advantage to fight for their appraisal.

Vividly thrown into the public's view was the violent, hostile acts that originally brought light to the Little Rock Nine's situation. Nationwide, people in areas of all varieties were appalled. Behavior so atrocious, particularly in a school setting was disappointing and greatly displeased many with strong biases. No help came from the location of the high school: the middle South. Commonly noticeable at this time was the Southern backlash against desegregation in schools. This made the task of separating irrational from justifiable even more problematic.

Somewhat fortunately at the time, Little Rock Central High was to be considered during the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka trial of 1954. Many had reason to be apprehensive of such, as this was a grand moment of sorts- it had upsides as well as downsides. A month after the trial, The result of the Supreme Court case unanimously declared that racially motivated schools partaking in segregation of their enrolled students was unconstitutional. The poignant feeling lingered less, and the vision of the world as we know it, was reshaped; that alone was enough to push publicity further. Townsfolk of Little Rock- as well as anywhere else- were expressing both their gratitude and their repugnance at their effort to revitalize what once was America. Progress was gradual, but as the course of time passed, it was only upwards.

As the need for altercations increased in importance, making it imminent. The Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka trial subjected Dwight D. Eisenhower to raise even more awareness regarding the situation with Little Rock Central High School. Following, it was apparent that he'd listened. Eisenhower took action in great amounts: United States troops swarmed the school, repelling white protesters and letting the Nine into the facility. It was a test, of sorts, and Eisenhower passed; with this being the first post-Civil War to use federal troops to ensure the rights of Black youth. With this came the shining moment of Little Rock Central High School; a decision was just made in the favor of Black children- something unheard of almost everywhere. Although, some of the majority received it well throughout the States; in fact, they were impressed. Praise was given to Eisenhower and his gracious decision to change the quota.

In 1998, a legislative announcement was put in place to "preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit, education, and inspiration of present and future generations...its role in the integration of public schools and the development of the civil rights movement in the United States," was signed, signifying in ink that this development was real. Consciousness had finally arrived- people chose to listen. It was revolutionary; and though this bill, nor the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka trial is not typically paid debt as a great motivator of the downfall of segregation laws, it must be included.

Signed by Bill Clinton, this bill showed value and respect put into the heat of the country during the necessary invasion of Little Rock Central High School, the patience through the midst of the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka trial, and everything that comes after. Though only eight of the beloved Little Rock Nine remain alive, their honor remains pristine in condition. Such symbolic action under controversial circumstances on Dwight D. Eisenhower's part makes the situation more admirable, but it's with truest heart to say that the original members that made up the Little Rock Nine continue to acknowledge that even today, there still can be change.