Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas played a significant role in Black history during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1957, the school became a battleground for the desegregation of public schools in the United States. Nine African American students, known as the "Little Rock Nine," were initially prevented from attending the school by the Arkansas National Guard, under orders from Governor Orval Faubus.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened and federalized the National Guard, allowing the students to enter the school under the protection of the 101st Airborne Division. This event marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and highlighted the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

The bravery and resilience of the Little Rock Nine, facing hostility and violence from segregationists, brought national attention to the issue of desegregation and helped advance the cause of civil rights in the United States. Today, Little Rock Central High School is a National Historic Site and continues to serve as a symbol of the fight for racial equality and justice.