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Little Rock Nine

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Segregation Debated and Changed: Little Rock Nine

I will never forget September 4, 1957. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. I was making breakfast as my daughter, Elizabeth, was ironing her new dress, a beautiful white shirtwaist with a deep gingham hem, which we had made for her. My son was watching television, as he did every morning, while he waited for his breakfast. My husband was sitting next to my son on the couch in the living room, reading the morning newspaper.

It seemed to be a perfectly normal day until the news came on. “A large crowd of angry white people has gathered outside of Little Rock’s Central High School. Everyone here is wondering whether the nine Negro students will show up today,” said the TV announcer.
“Turn that off!” I exclaimed.
Immediately my husband got up from the couch and came to my side. He held me in his arms and quietly said, “My nerves are shattered too. The news reports were bad enough last night, but we must not let the ignorance get to us. Elizabeth will be fine once she gets to school and joins the other children.”
My husband makes me feel so safe and calm I thought to myself. He had a special talent, you could say.

My heart sang as I heard Elizabeth announce, “See you later, Mom. Good-bye, Pop. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine.”
I interjected, “Before you go, let’s all pray.”
“Do we have to? I am going to be late!”
“Take my hand, sweetheart. It will only take a second to ask for God’s blessing.”

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