The Little Rock Nine refers to a group of nine African American students who faced great opposition and harassment when they attempted to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. The event gained national attention and became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights in the United States. It compelled President Dwight D. Eisenhower to send federal troops to protect the students and uphold the Supreme Court's ruling on desegregation, highlighting the federal government's role in promoting racial equality and challenging the doctrine of "separate but equal." The Little Rock Nine's fight exemplified the courage and resilience of African Americans in the face of discrimination, inspiring further activism and laying the foundation for later civil rights advancements.
