The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students who were at the center of the desegregation crisis at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957. Following the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, the Little Rock School Board agreed to integrate their schools.

However, when these nine students attempted to enter Central High School, they were met with violent opposition from a mob of white protesters and the Arkansas National Guard, who were ordered by Governor Orval Faubus to prevent the African American students from entering the school. This event garnered national attention and led to President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervening by deploying federal troops to escort the students to school and ensure their safety.

Despite facing immense racism and hostility, the Little Rock Nine bravely continued attending Central High School, paving the way for desegregation in public schools across the country. Their courage and perseverance helped to highlight the injustices of segregation and sparked a nationwide conversation about civil rights and equality. The Little Rock Nine are widely recognized for their role in the civil rights movement and their legacy continues to inspire generations of activists fighting for racial justice.