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Little Rock Desegregation Heroes Mark New Era

Former students who helped pave way for Obama presidency to attend inauguration

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2009 1:53 AM CST

(Newser) – Five decades ago, nine teenagers walked into their new high school through screaming mobs who spat at them and shouted racist abuse. They were the first black students to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., and became known as the Little Rock Nine. Seven of them will attend the inauguration of President Barack Obama, AP reports.

Another civil rights hero on the inaugural guest list is Ruby Bridges, who desegregated New Orleans schools at age 6. "This is going to change everything," said Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine. "To look at a man of color and call him president, it's something that I never thought I would see in my lifetime."

Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of nine black students who were part of the historic integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of nine black students who were part of the historic integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957.   (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Black students walk onto the campus of Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., with a National Guard officer as an escort.
Black students walk onto the campus of Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., with a National Guard officer as an escort.   (AP Photo, File)
Carlotta Walls Lanier, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Terrence Roberts and Melba Pattillo Beals, four of the Little Rock Nine.
Carlotta Walls Lanier, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Terrence Roberts and Melba Pattillo Beals, four of the Little Rock Nine.   (AP Photo/Mike Wintroath)
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Al Jazeera interview with one of the 'Little Rock Nine' students enrolled in an all-white Arkansas high school in 1957 and barred from entering by the state's governor, on Obama's presidency.   (AlJazeeraEnglish)

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