Counts, I. Wilmer (Ira Wilmer), 1931-

After the United States Supreme Court had ruled in 1954 that racial segregation in public schools must be ended, Little Rock planned to gradually integrate its schools over a period of six years. The first African American students were to be admitted to Central High School in September 1957. The nine students were Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrance Roberts, Jefferson Thomas and Carlotta Walls. When the students attempted to enter the school they were denied entrance by National Guardsmen dispatched by Governor Orval E. Faubus, who explained that his purpose was to keep the peace. After a Federal court order ordered the National Guard withdrawn, there were daily problems with street crowds at Central High School until President Dwight D. Eisenhower placed the National Guard under Federal control and sent troops of the United States Army to patrol the school and assure the African American students of daily entry.

From the description of People protest at Capitol on steps looking south [graphic] / Will Counts [photographer]. [1959] (Arkansas History Commission). WorldCat record id: 47076357

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