For those of you that were not in AP US History last year, the "Little Rock Nine" were nine black students who volunteered to help integrate Little Rock Central High School, which had previously been an all white school. As they integrated the school, they faced angry mobs, physical attacks and other horrendous things including being forced away from the school by Arkansas's own national guard. In honor of their bravery and commitment, there will be a museum in their honor. This museum was Daisy and L.C. Bates's home; the "Little Rock Nine" met here everyday before school to prepare themselves for the rough day at school to come. This site, marked as a national historic site, is going to be fully restored and renovated. Over the past three years, the site has been gradually renovated; the roof has been replaced and architects have managed to find replicas of the furniture of the 1950s in order to make the house look just like it did more than half a century ago.
I think it is definitely important to keep historic sites so that people can remember the progress that the "Little Rock Nine" made in desegregating America. By keeping these sites intact, I think that it gives more Americans to opportunity to look back on the past so that we never repeat it in the future. Also, I believe that the "Little Rock Nine" deserve a lasting commemoration to reward them for their good deeds more than 50 years ago. Maybe someday I will visit this historic site for myself.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
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3 comments:
I have to say I really enjoyed reading "Warriors Don't Cry" last year for AP US History, a story about the Little Rock Nine. Their inspiring courage and bravery should never be forgotten and this museum is a great idea to commemorate and cement their place in history. Like Preston, I wouldn't mind visiting this museum one day myself.
It's definitely a good thing that this museum is honoring the Little Rock Nine because as a nation, we need to remember the parts of our past that are both good and bad. This way, we can remember the bravery of those nine students and do our best to make sure history does not repeat itself.
-Molly Cheng
I was lucky enough to attend Sojourn to the Past last year, where we went to Central High School and met two of the Little Rock Nine. One of the nine, Elizabeth Eckford didnt have a phone, and did not get the message to meet at the house which is no to become a landmark. She walked to school alone and the trauma she faced that day has caused her extensive emotional drama throughout her life. We could not clap after her speech because the sound triggered flashbacks to that day. She was an incredible speaker, and I'm so fortunate to have met her. I'm glad recognition is still being given to these people.
Sally Shearer
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