Overcast skies and a light drizzle did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd of over 5000 at the Little Rock Central High 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony. The day was a celebration of how far society has come, but mixed with the celebratory speeches came sharp rebukes from members of the Little Rock Nine, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and President Bill Clinton.
“The real issue is to understand the difference between the word desegregation and the word integration,” said Stodola. “It’s time for every citizen in Little Rock to come together and make good on the debt we owe them [the Little Rock Nine.]” Stodola pointed out that Little Rock has the largest black middle class in its history, but over 35% of black children live in poverty.
All of the Little Rock Nine left the city after graduation,and some of them only returned after much persuasion.
