Terrence Roberts, PhD, one of the Little Rock Nine, will be speaking at Southern Adventist University this Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Iles P.E. Center.
In 1957, the Little Rock Nine were the first group of African-American children to integrate the largest school in the capital of Arkansas. This racially-charged event drew national attention when an angry mob surrounded the school. As a result, U.S. Army troops were stationed at the school for the entire school year to protect the students as they came to and from school, although this did not prevent violence inside.
In 1999, Dr. Roberts and other members of the Little Rock Nine were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bill Clinton.
Little Rock offered dramatic examples of negative approaches to difference, and the problems those approaches create. During his presentation, Dr. Roberts, a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, will guide attendees through an exploration of lessons to be learned from the chaotic episode in Little Rock.
Admission is free, and the public is welcome.