Events mark 60th anniversary

Black newspaperman Alex Wilson is kicked by an attacker in a group of integration foes near Central High School on Sept. 23, 1957. He was seriously injured.
Black newspaperman Alex Wilson is kicked by an attacker in a group of integration foes near Central High School on Sept. 23, 1957. He was seriously injured.

The Arkansas Arts Center is exhibiting Will Counts' photographs from 1957-59 as part of events to mark the 60th anniversary of the Central High School desegregation crisis.

The eight living members of the Little Rock Nine, the first black students to attend Central, are expected to be present for a commemoration ceremony at the high school at 10 a.m. Sept. 25.

At 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22, the front lawn of Central will be the dedication site for United, a sculpture by Clay Enoch. The work's allegorical figures are raising their arms to interlock the rings they hold in the effort to unite. Incomplete rings denote the fact that there is still progress to be made.

Next month's other events include an education forum, 9 a.m. Sept. 23 at Clinton Presidential Center; a fundraising concert for the Little Rock Nine Foundation, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Robinson Center Performance Hall; a "Children of the Little Rock Nine" panel discussion, 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at Ron Robinson Theater; and an interfaith service, 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at Robinson Center.

Later in the year, there will be several themed jazz concerts and forums. Organizers include the city of Little Rock, Little Rock School District and the National Park Service.

For details, visit centralhigh60th.org/events.

-- Jack Schnedler

Style on 08/20/2017

Upcoming Events