September 25 marks the 60th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine and the integration of Central High School in 1957. The city of Little Rock has organized various events to commemorate the defining moment in Arkansas’ history.
In addition to the events organized through the ACANSA Arts Festival and the Arkansas Arts Center’s exhibit of Will Counts’ iconic Central High Photos, the city will host events spanning the course of the year. The core of the schedule, however, centers around the September anniversary under the title Reflections of Progress.
A few of those include:
Clay Enoch, winner of the 2016 Sculpture at the River Market public monument competition, will have his sculpture, United, installed on the front lawn of Central High on Sept. 22 from 1:30-2 p.m. The sculpture depicts figures with raised arms interlocking rings in the effort to be “united.” The incomplete rings serve as a reminder that there is still progress to be made.
An educational forum will dive into the history surrounding the time prior to and following the Little Rock Nine’s first year at Central High. Panelists will revisit the events leading up to the desegregation of Central High, the 1957-1958 school year, the “Lost Year” in 1958-1959 and the process of integrating all of Little Rock’s schools beginning in 1959. Panelists haven’t been announced yet, so keep an eye on the event’s website.
For more information on the various events and schedule, head to the Reflections of Progress website.