Reflection 5

Reflection paper #5: How would you have liked to be one of the “Little Rock Nine?” How do you think you would have reacted to the fact that you needed armed guards to enter school? How would you have reacted to the shouts and slurs of those on the streets who didn’t want to see you in that building?
In September 23, 1957, an attempt was made to integrate a high school in Little Rock, Arkansas called Central High School. The president of this time was Eisenhower and he was faced with enforcing the Brown verses the Board of Education law passed in 1954. Prior to this law, schools were still operating under the decision of Plessey verses Ferguson of 1896 which stated that the schools should remain segregated but will be equal – separate but equal. Brown verses The Board of Education changed all of that in 1954 but here we are, three years later in 1957 and schools are still not integrated. As a matter of fact, great imposition was posed at integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. So much in fact that President Eisenhower had to employ and federalize 1,000 Arizona National Guards to escort the African-American students into the school when the first attempt was so ill received by a mob of people chanting racial slurs and expressing great anger towards these nine students. These students became known as the Little Rock Nine and I could only imagine if it was me, how afraid and humiliated I would feel. I also would have a modicum of anger toward the people, government and my parents. Of course, this anger would only be expressed in my alone time. The trepidation that I would have endured was massive for a young child who only wanted to go to school, learn, be with friends and do normal teenage things was just a burden that no one at any age should have to face. These nine students were undoubtedly very courageous and had a strong degree of self restraint in order to hold themselves together. The Little Rock Nine clearly showed the world, especially their opposers, a level of maturity that enabled them to understand the broader picture of their commitment to attend Central High School. I am sure if I had to go through this experience, I would be courageous as well to the world. I would do as Paul Lawrence Dunbar says in his poem and “Wear the mask that grins and lies, that hide our cheeks and shades our eyes”. I would definitely give the impression that I was determined and dedicated and will go the distance. I know that I would have remained focused and concentrate on the task at hand. When I am alone would be time enough for me to allow myself to be enveloped by some tears and signs of hurt and wounded pride along with weariness. I could only imagine the significant effect this experience may have had on each of the Little Rock Nine’s lives thereafter. I am sure it is something I would never forget nor would I want to. The experience would be a driving force in my life to do better and prove to the world I will not internalize negativity but will counteract it with optimism and help create a better existence through my experience for someone else.