Press Releases | Nov, 13 2014
Reflections on Race From Three of the "Little Rock Nine" and a Current Student at Little Rock's Central High School
AUSTIN – Fifty-seven years ago, nine African American students integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, following the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education that declared segregation illegal. Facing a hostile crowd and escorted by the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne, their brave actions reverberated across the country and the world. The courage they displayed was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.
From 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, reporters have the opportunity to talk with Ernest Green, Carlotta Walls LaNier, and Terrence Roberts about their experiences in 1957 and current civil rights issues. Also available for an interview will be Amaree Austin, a junior at Central High School who is the great-neice of Thelma Mothershed, one of the "Little Rock Nine." Amaree interviewed her great-aunt and wrote an essay about her as part of a Memory Project.
What: Three who bravely walked up the steps to integrate Little Rock's Central High School in 1957 and a current Central High student will discuss race, then and now.
When: Thursday, November 13, 2014
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Media interview availability with Ernest Green, Carlotta Walls LaNier, and Terrence Roberts of the "Little Rock Nine" and Amaree Austin, a junior at Little Rock's Central High and great-niece of Thelma Mothershed, one of the "Little Rock Nine."
Where: LBJ Presidential Library, 4th Floor, Civil Rights Exhibit
Later, at 6:00 p.m., the three members of the "Little Rock Nine" and Amaree Austin will participate in a program in the LBJ Auditorium. This program is for members of Friends of the LBJ Library and is not open to the public. However, reporters are invited to cover the program.
More about Ernest Green: http://littlerock9.com/ErnestGreen.aspx
More about Carlotta Walls Lanier: http://littlerock9.com/CarlottaWalls.aspx
More about Terrence Roberts: http://littlerock9.com/TerrenceRoberts.aspx
More about Amaree Austin: http://lrchmemory.org/wordpress/?p=786
Members of the "Little Rock Nine" established a foundation so future generations have access to quality education. In 1999, President Bill Clinton presented them with our country's highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal.
Today, Central High School is a functioning high school and has been designated as a National Historical Site.
Media Kit contains: Historic photos of the "Little Rock Nine" as they integrated Little Rock Central High.
