[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF JEFFERSON THOMAS, A MEMBER OF THE ``LITTLE ROCK 
                                 NINE''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEBORAH PRYCE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 1999

  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Jefferson Thomas, a resident of the Far East Side of Columbus, on 
receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. Thomas was a member of the 
so-called ``Little Rock Nine,'' a group of African-American high school 
students who first crossed racial barriers at Central High School in 
Little Rock, Arkansas forty-two years ago. President Clinton bestowed 
the medal on Thomas and the other eight members of the ``Little Rock 
Nine'' today in a ceremony at the White House. The Congressional Gold 
Medal is the nation's highest honor for a civilian. Previous recipients 
of the award include such notable figures as George Washington, Nelson 
Mandela and Rosa Parks.
  In the summer of 1957, the city of Little Rock, Arkansas made plans 
to desegregate its public schools. However, on September 2, the night 
before classes were to begin, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus called out 
the state's National Guard to surround Little Rock Central High School 
and prevent any African-American students from entering the school. He 
stated that he was trying to protect citizens and property from 
possible violence by protesters he claimed were headed in caravans 
toward Little Rock. A federal judge granted an injunction against the 
Governor's use of the National Guard to prevent integration, and the 
troops were withdrawn on September 20.
  When school resumed on Monday, September 23, Central High was 
surrounded by Little Rock policemen. Approximately one thousand people 
assembled in front of the school. The police escorted the nine African-
American students into a side door of the building immediately before 
classes were to begin. Two days later, President Eisenhower dispatched 
the National Guard in an effort to maintain order and protect the 
``Little Rock Nine.'' Throughout their first year at Central High 
School, the nine civil rights pioneers received death threats and were 
the subject of violent acts. Through it all, they remained stoic and 
focused, realizing that the eyes of the nation were upon them in their 
quest for equality. In May of 1958, Ernest Green became the first 
African-American graduate of Little Rock Central High School.
  Jefferson Thomas is to be commended for his courage in the face of 
overwhelming adversity. Little did he know that his bravery over forty 
years ago would have a lasting historical impact. His determination, 
and that of the other members of the ``Little Rock Nine,'' paved the 
way for the desegregation of all schools, and helped make equality in 
education a reality for all students. Mr. Thomas is truly a source of 
inspiration to the citizens of Ohio and the rest of our nation.

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