Original Member of the Little Rock Nine to Speak to McKinley TK-8 School (MKS) Students and Teachers

Dr. Terrence Roberts is one of the nine Black students to ever attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Little Rock Nine attempted an initial integration of the school on September 4, 1957. They were denied access to the school when it was blocked by an angry mob of about 400 people opposed to the integration of the school, even while being ‘protected’ by the Arkansas National Guard. A second attempt to enter the school on September 23, 1957 was met with a larger mob, again preventing the students from entering. On September 24, 1957, under the direct order of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Arkansas National Guard and soldiers from the 101′ Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, the Little Rock Nine were successfully admitted to Little Rock Central High School.

Spearheaded by Ms. Jacqueline Snell with the assistance of the members of the African American Parent Council (AAPC) and the African American Student Council (AASC), Dr. Roberts will speak at two assemblies on February 23, 2016 in the McKinley Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

“We are honored to have Dr. Roberts speak to our students, sharing the Little Rock Nine experience and the tremendous impact it played in his life,” said Ms. Snell, Event Coordinator.

A continental breakfast for invited guests will be served beginning at 9:30 a.m. While this is a closed event for students and faculty, media coverage is welcomed! Please RSVP for the breakfast and/or parking by contacting Ms. Jacqueline Snell, Event Coordinator: jacquelinesne1185@gmail or (626) 399-3042.

McKinley School, 325 S. Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, (626) 844-7880 or visit mckinley.pusd.us/pages/McKinley_School.