Knox College’s Tribute: Elizabeth Eckford Of The Little Rock 9

On my morning walk one morning, I came across this monument to Elizabeth Eckford at Knox College. 

In 1954, Brown vs Board of Education ruled that separate was not equal, and outlawed segregation in American public schools. While the federal government worked to support and enforce desegregation, some states resisted desegregation. 

Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas had one of the top ranked public schools in America in the 1950’s. The school itself was the largest and most expensive high school in America when it was built in 1927 for $1.5 million. 

Little Rock and Arkansas did not want to allow African-Americans to attend Little Rock Central. In September of 1957, nine African-American students attempted to enroll at Little Rock Central. The young people became labeled the “Little Rock 9.” 

A picture of 15 year old Elizabeth Eckford entering Little Rock Central had an impact on America. The photographer, Will Counts won the 1958 Pulitzer Prize for the photo. Some claim the photo helped persuade President Eisenhower to send in Federal troops to protect the students. 

The nine students were originally going to meet and enter the school together. The details of their plans that morning were changed but because Eckford’s family did not have a phone, she did not get the message. So by herself, she was the first to enter the school. 

The story of the Little Rock 9 did not end once they were admitted to the school. The entire 1957-1958 school year, the nine students were harassed and threatened. Stories are told of white students urinating on their books, teachers intentionally “losing” their assignments, and teachers refusing to give them anything but an F. 

Little Rock decided to close Little Rock Central HS for the 1958-1959 school year rather than to continue to admit African-American students. So all 3,655 students had no classes. In a reflection of twisted values, the only thing that continued was the football season. LRCHS had been undefeated, “national Champion” the year before so the school board wanted them to be able to continue to play. So while LRCHS had no classes, they had football. 

After the 1958-1959 year, Eckford was admitted to Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. She attended Knox College for one year before deciding to return closer to home for college. 

Later in life, Elizabeth Eckford was diagnosed with “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,” as a result of her experiences as a 15 year old. 

In 2018, Eckford had an autobiography published for young people. It is entitled, “The Worst First Day: Bullied While Desegregating Little Rock Central High School.”

Also in 2018, Knox College honored Elizabeth Eckford with an honorary degree. 

Today Little Rock Central HS still is an active high school, using the same building. Across the street from the high school is a national museum run by the National Park Service. They give tours of LRCHS. 

The next time you are near the corner of Cherry St. and South St., you can see the garden honoring an American Hero- Elizabeth Eckford.