Elizabeth Eckford
Little Rock, AR, September 4, 1957
Elizabeth Eckford Handwritten Essay on 1st Day of School as One of the "Little Rock Nine"
AMS

Elizabeth Eckford (b.1941) handwritten essay signed, "Elizabeth Eckford", recounting her first day of school as one of the "Little Rock Nine". 1p, 8.5" x 11", Little Rock, Arkansas, September 4, 1957. In fine condition.

Then a young 15-year old, Eckford had to endure bullying and violence in order to attend school, as mandated by Brown v. Board of Education three years earlier. In this essay, Eckford details the horrific events of that day, but ends on a hopeful note, remembering white journalists who treated her with kindness. Composed and signed in black felt-tip, essay reads in full:

"I am one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African-American teens who, in 1957, were the first black students ever to attend classes at the previously all-white Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas.

The integration came as a result of Brown versus Board of Education decided by the nation's highest court in 1954.

My ordeal was captured by press photographers on the morning of September 4, 1957. As I walked toward the school I saw Arkansas National Guard soldiers surrounding the grounds. They opened up and made space for white students to pass through. When I approached the soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder to bar me. I walked further and stopped where I could see another sidewalk leading to the school. This time the state troops crossed rifles to block me. The crowd across the street was angrily shouting. Ahead I saw the main entrance in the middle of that two block expanse. Now a soldier directed me to go across the street where the demonstrators were.

When I stepped out into the street an angry mob started following and screaming insults. Someone yelled 'Get a rope! Drag her over to the tree! Let's hang her!' Other voices cursed and threatened. I looked for help. When I approached an elderly woman who had a kind face, she spat on me. The mob followed me to the bus stop where two middle-aged white reporters tried to comfort me, saying don't let them see you cry. When one reporter embraced me across my shoulder, the crowd's anger rose in increased fury."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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8.5" x 11"