Little Rock Nine Civil Rights Memorial State Capitol, Little Rock, Arkansas

"Testament" Civil Rights Memorial Sculpture of the Little Rock Nine Facing law and social custom that defined them as second tier citizens, the Little Rock Nine, taking their cue from the ever expanding struggle for civil rights, opted to define themselves quite differently.  With the help of stalwart parents, other family members, and those in the community who shared their vision, this group of young people came to understand the reality of their time, but chose to believe in a reality yet to come.  It was, in part, this focus that allowed them to suffer the indignities heaped upon them by those who firmly believed in the laws of equality.  With the support of countless others around the globe, and especially the guidance of L.C. and Daisy Bates, the Little Rock Nine walked through the doors of Central High School.  Their act of courage opened doors symbolically all over segregated America.   Sculptors: Deering, Scallion, and Deering Studio Legislative Sponsors: Senator Tracy Steele Senator Irma Hunter Brown   Funding by: Little Rock Nine Foundation Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation 83rd, 84th, and 85th General Assemblies of the Arkansas Legislature   Secretary of State Charlie Daniels - Governor Mike Huckabee

"If we have honestly acknowledged our painful bit shared past, then we can have reconciliation." - Elizabeth Eckford.

"My choice to join the group of nine was an act of bearing witness to the sacrifices of all those who have spilled their blood in the ongoing fight for equal rights in the country.  My acceptance of the baton they passed along is my testimony to future generations, who must finish the work started by the ancestors we share in common." - Dr. Terrence J. Roberts

"To God be the Glory" - Thelma Mothershed Wair

"Hard work, determination, persistence, and faith in God were lessons learned from my parents, Cartelyou and Juanita Walls.  I was only doing what was right." - Carlotta Walls Lanier

"We have to be the change we want to see in the world."  Gandhi - Minnijean Brown Trickey

"We wanted to widen options for ourselves, and later for our children." - Ernest Green

"Dare to object to prejudice and injustice." Gloria Ray Karlmark

"As a youth - God blessed me with the courage of men, as a man, he gave me the spirit of youth." - Jefferson Thomas

"The task that remains is to embrace our interdependence - to see ourselves reflected in every other human being, and to respect & honor differences."  - Melba Pattillo - Beals

Little Rock Nine Memorial One | Two

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