Alyssa's+Civil+Rights+Project

=Elizabeth Eckford= toc

Profile Information
Name: Elizabeth Ann Eckford Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas Date of Birth: October 4, 1941 Job Name/Title/Employer: Student activist, Journalist Education: Knox College, Illinois, transferred to Central State University, Ohio

Friends
Daisy Bates

Ben Fine

Grace Lorch

Minnijean Brown Trickey

Ernest Green

About Me
Hi. My name is Elizabeth Eckford. I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 4, 1941. I have 5 siblings. My parents are Oscar and Birdie Eckford. My father worked for the Little Rock station of the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a dining car maintenance worker. My mother worked at a blind and deaf school. It was segregated. Up to now, my life may seem somewhat normal up to now, but in 1957, my life made a drastic change.

In 1957, I became known as one of the "Little Rock Nine." Along with eight other students, I integrated Little Rock Central High School. We were the first African Americans to attend the school. It was a rough, hard time, but my family and the other black students helped me fight through the year. By the time graduation came, I had taken enough extra classes and night classes to graduate. These years have greatly changed me as a person.

I have recieved many awards for what I did in 1957. I have been awarded the Spingam Medal, the Father Joseph Blitz Award, and even the Congressional Gold Medal. I have made amends with Hazel Massery, one of the anti-integration students at Little Rock Central High School, after we put aside our differences and apoligized. I now have 2 sons. After attending college, I worked in the U.S. Army, including work as a journalist. Though I may have had a harsh life, I wouldn't change a single thing about it.

Wall Posts

 * Fall 1957: I finally was admitted into Little Rock Central High School. I will be one of the first African American students, along with eight others. They include Minnijean Brown Trickey and Ernest Green. I am looking forward to starting the school year, though I know it will be harsh.


 * September 4, 1957: Today, I showed up at Little Rock Central High School alone. My family doesn't have a phone, so I didn't find out about the change in where we were meeting. Instead, I was greeted with a crowd of whites threatening to lynch me. The Arkansas National Guard was also there to turn me away and prevent me from entering the building. Just when I thought I had enough, Ben Fine and Grace Lorch stood up for me. Today has been quite discouraging, but all nine of us will someday get into that school.


 * 1999: Today, the president awarded me the highest award I have ever hoped to get. Bill Clinton gave me the Congressional Gold Medal. I am beyond speechless. I got to fight for civil rights and recieve amazing awards at the same time. I couldn't be any happier.


 * January 1, 2003: Today has been a tragic day. One of my two sons, Erin Eckford, was shot and killed today by Little Rock police. He was only 26. Thank you to all who have showed your concern. Please pray for my family while we suffer through this painful time.

Blabberize News Report
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