The Inspiring Story of the Little Rock Nine

Through the construction of U.S. Navy submarine Arkansas (#SSN800), Newport News Shipbuilding is proud to honor a group of trailblazers who changed our nation.

In 1957, nine African American teenagers made history when they elected to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, fulfilling the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. When they faced shouting mobs, threats of violence and hostile state leaders who blocked their way, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deployed federal troops to escort them to classes. The Little Rock Nine, as they came to be known, have spent their lives advocating for quality education.

In 2018, the six women of the Little Rock Nine – Melba Pattillo Beals, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Eckford; Gloria Ray Karlmark; Carlotta Walls LaNier; Minnijean Brown Trickey; and the late Thelma Mothershed Wair – were named sponsors. Throughout the submarine’s construction, NNS honored the entire Little Rock Nine including the men of the group – Ernest G. Green; Terrence J. Roberts, Ph.D.; and the late Jefferson Thomas.

On Dec. 7, 2024, NNS christened Arkansas with LaNier, Walls and Eckford in attendance. Watch this video to learn about the Little Rock Nine and hear from Newport News shipbuilders who have been inspired during the construction of Arkansas, the nation’s newest Virginia-class submarine.

Note: This video includes copyrighted materials from HII/Newport News Shipbuilding and others.

©2024 Huntington Ingalls Industries/All Rights Reserved

Видео The Inspiring Story of the Little Rock Nine канала HII