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Why the Necessity to Hide Black History
Too Hard to Explain to Their Children
Take a good look at the cover photo. Elizabeth Eckford is the Black student, one of the Little Rock Nine, who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Three years after America’s schools were allegedly integrated with the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954. Elizabeth was fifteen when she had to be escorted by a federalized National Guard to ensure her safety along with the other eight Black students. Remember when the National Guard used to protect minorities?
This photo is of the second attempt of the Little Rock Nine to enter the school. The first incident occurred two weeks earlier, when the Arkansas National Guard, acting under orders from Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, blocked her from entering. The Little Rock Nine originally intended to meet and arrive together, but the meeting place changed the night before. Elizabeth’s family had no telephone, so she didn’t get the word and came alone.
After the National Guard turned her away, Elizabeth fled to the bus stop through the mob. Some were threatening to lynch her for daring to come to their school. A white reporter sat next to her, saying, “Don’t let them see you cry.”
Eckford has nothing to hide about her history. Little Rock Central temporarily closed the…
