[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 358

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 358, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of 
Little Rock Central High School, in Little Rock, AK. At a time when 
racial intolerance and ignorance were openly embraced as a way of life, 
nine courageous African-American youth took a stand, and in doing so, 
ushered in the civil rights era.
  On September 23, 1957, this brave group of students entered the halls 
of Little Rock Central High School with one goal in mind: to obtain an 
education. This objective, universal to all parents and children 
worldwide, was far from easily accomplished. Central High School, a 
product of the Jim Crowe sentiment, had never seen an African-American 
student in any of its classrooms. These nine individuals would be the 
first.
  The students stood face-to-face with mobs of irate citizens, all 
staunchly opposed to integration, and armed National Guardsmen who were 
ordered by the governor to prevent their entrance. The student body too 
was unwelcoming, spiteful of the racial invasion into their school. 
Despite such unconcealed prejudice and cruelty, these nine students 
persevered and served as an inspiration to us all. One member of this 
group would later become the first African-American graduate of Little 
Rock Central High School.
  The story of the students who would later be referred to as the 
``Little Rock Nine,'' gave Americans hope that we could overcome the 
racial oppression, struggle and strife that had become endemic in our 
culture.
  All around the Nation, organizations such as the Southern Christian 
Leadership Conference led by Dr. Martin Luther King, the Student 
Nonviolent Coordinating Committee led by student activists, and the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, worked 
together to create large-scale changes through seemingly small 
proactive actions.
  It would be a disservice for this body to not take a moment to 
individually recognize each member of this remarkable group. Ernest 
Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Dr. Terrence Roberts, 
Carlotta Walls Lanier, Minnijean Brown Trickey, Gloria Ray Karlmark, 
Thelma Mothershed-Wair and Melba Pattillo Beals have each equally 
contributed to the movement that has helped us all be where we are 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, the story of the Little Rock Nine remains one of the 
most powerful illustrations of triumph over adversity within our modem 
history. It is our duty as leaders to ensure that the past is not only 
remembered but also distinguished and honored as it so rightly 
deserves. On the 50th anniversary of this milestone in the battle to 
gain equality both under law and in life, we are given the opportunity 
to bring national recognition to these modem day heroes. I urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.

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