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Plessy v. Ferguson Case
This case started in 1892 when an African-American named Homer Plessy refused to give up his train seat to a white man. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court where they created the "separate but equal" law, which legalized segregation, This allowed discrimination and racism in public schools, and paved the path for The Little Rock Nine, -
NAACP Founded
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is an African-American civil rights organization in the United States and was founded on this day. Daisy Bates was not only a member, but also the president of the state conference of NAACP's Arkansas branch. -
Murray v Maryland
On this day, the Maryland Supreme Court ruled against segregation at the University of Maryland Law School. See Legislation tab for more information about this case ruling. -
Missouri Ex Rel. Gaines v. Canada
Lloyd Gaines graduated Lincoln University and applied to University of Missouri Law School. He was not admitted because of his color, and then brought this case to the Supreme Court. Gaines and his attourney argued that it violated the "separate but equal" law. In the end, the court's only option was to admit Lloyd Gaines to the University of Missouri Law School. -
Brown v. Board of Education
In 1954, "the Supreme Court ruled that separating children in public schools on the basis of race was unconstitutional. It signaled the end of legalized racial segregation in the schools of the United States, overruling the "separate but equal" principle set forth in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case" ("Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka"). -
The Little Rock Gets Turned Away
On September 4th the nine recruited African Americans, nicknamed the Little Rock Nine, tried to enter Little Rock Central High School. However, they were turned away by the National Guard, called in by Governor Orval Faubus. -
Orval Faubus meets with President Eisenhower
President Eisenhower meeted with Orval Faubus, the governor of Arkansas, on September 14th regarding his continuing segregation of Little Rock High School. He urged Faubus to stop disobeying court orders. -
Another Attempt to Enter
"The nine black students attempted to return to school on 23 September and were met by an angry mob. By noon school officials sent the nine home as the crowd turned threatening. Eisenhower then issued a proclamation ordering the mob to disperse and cease interfering with a court order" ("Desegregating Education in the 1950s, 1950-1959.") -
101st Airborne Division
"When a mob returned 24 September the president ordered the Arkansas National Guard into federal service and sent members of the 101st Airborne Division to enforce the integration of the school" ("Desegregating Education in the 1950s, 1950-1959."). -
Successfully Enters the School
On September 25th, the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army escorts the nine African American students into Little Rock High School. This was the first day that they were able to physically enter the school and attend classes. -
101st Airborne Division Leaves Little Rock
After about two months of protecting The Little Rock Nine, the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army finally leaves Little Rock, Arkansas.
