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Civil Rights Icons Return to Little Rock

Nine trailblazers observe 50th anniversary of Central High desegregation

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 25, 2007 3:49 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Little Rock Nine returned to Central High today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school's integration. Once escorted by soldiers from the 101st Airborne, they arrived by limousine to a school that's now 52% black, the AP reports. "They didn't ask to be a part of history, but they certainly are now," said US Rep. Mike Ross.

"You can overcome adversity if you know you are doing the right thing," said Carlotta Walls Lanier, one of the nine. "I am grateful more than I can say that we had a president who was determined to enforce the order of the court," said Arkansas native Bill Clinton, who held a school door open as part of the ceremony.

Former President Bill Clinton, speaks with Ernest Green, right, one of the Little Rock Nine who helped desegregate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, during a Little Rock Nine Foundation gala, Monday, Sept. 24, 2007 in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Mike Wintroath)
Former President Bill Clinton, speaks with Ernest Green, right, one of the Little Rock Nine who helped desegregate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, during a Little Rock Nine Foundation gala, Monday,...   (Associated Press)
Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of nine black students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, attends dedication ceremonies for a visitors center at the Central High National Historic Site in Little Rock, Ark., Monday, Sept. 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of nine black students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, attends dedication ceremonies for a visitors center at the Central High National Historic Site...   (Associated Press)
Carloto Walls LaNier, left, Ernest Green, center, and Terrence Roberts, three of nine students who in 1957 integrated Little Rock Central High School, applaud during dedication ceremonies for a National Historic Site visitors center near the school in Little Rock, Ark., Monday, Sept. 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Carloto Walls LaNier, left, Ernest Green, center, and Terrence Roberts, three of nine students who in 1957 integrated Little Rock Central High School, applaud during dedication ceremonies for a National...   (Associated Press)
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, second from right, greets Ernest Green, left, Terrence Roberts, second from left, and Carlotta Walls Lanier, right, three of the Little Rock Nine who helped desegregate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, before a reception, Sunday Sept. 23, 2007, in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Mike...
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, second from right, greets Ernest Green, left, Terrence Roberts, second from left, and Carlotta Walls Lanier, right, three of the Little Rock Nine who helped desegregate Little...   (Associated Press)
Carloto Walls LaNier, left, Ernest Green, center, and Terrence Roberts, three of nine students who in 1957 integrated Little Rock Central High School, applaud during dedication ceremonies for a National Historic Site visitors center near the school in Little Rock, Ark., Monday, Sept. 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Carloto Walls LaNier, left, Ernest Green, center, and Terrence Roberts, three of nine students who in 1957 integrated Little Rock Central High School, applaud during dedication ceremonies for a National...   (Associated Press)
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