We all learned about integration in Little Rock's Central High School at some point in our history classes. The facts that we learned were probably: nine Black teenagers were chosen to integrate Central High in 1957, following the infamous 1954 case of Brown vs. The Board of Education. We also learned that Arkansas' governor, Orval Faubus, did everything in his power to stop the Little Rock Nine. And while we know that these nine students had a tough job to do, we definitely didn't know how tough when we sat in class talking about the minute details we did know. Everyone should read Melba Pattillo Beals' Warriors Don't Cry for the sole reason that it is such an important part of American history. Taken from her own diary, Beals tells the story of how she became chosen to integrate Central High and the aftermath of that decision. All of the harrowing details make it hard to believe we didn't spend more time in class discussing it. Against the backdrop of violence and hatred, Beals shows typical teenage activities: going to dances and parties, listening to music, shopping for new clothes, which makes her story all the more poignant. It also makes you grateful that we live in such a wonderful country . . . that even though a whole community was against integration, there were still a small number, at great personal risk, willing to help the Little Rock Nine succeed in their endeavor.[Photo: www.betterworldbooks.com]
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