Central High School Now Fully Integrated

By David Pitts
USIA Staff Writer

Henron is one of 1,861 students at Central High this academic year: 59 percent are African American; 40 percent are white; and one percent are other, mostly Asian. A small number of exchange students, mostly from Europe, also attend. School administrators proudly point out that the school is now more integrated than many around the nation, including outside the South.

"Race is not very much of a factor today," says Henron. "We don't look for differences, we look for similarities." He noted that his parents and grandparents had been involved in the integration struggle.

Justin Wittenberg, a white senior, largely agrees. "There are racial problems at Central High today, but only among a select few." Central "almost is like a small town," he said. "There are different people with different opinions from different backgrounds," and that is beneficial in many ways, he added.

Tanya Corbin, an African American senior, said Central now "is a reflection of society," whereas in 1957 it represented only one segment of society -- namely, whites. Corbin also paid tribute to the Little Rock Nine. "I would not be here without them," she said. "They opened the doors for everyone."

Suellen Perry, a white senior, said students now attending Central "feel a great sense of pride," at what has been achieved. "People realize it's a landmark in history."

What lessons can the nation and the world can learn from the events in Little Rock in 1957, especially countries torn by ethnic and racial conflicts? The students stressed the need for understanding of people of different cultures. "Diversity is a strength, not a weakness," said one student, adding, "Remember the past, but build on it and make sure some good comes out of it."

Central High School was built in 1927 at a cost of $1.5 million, a huge sum at that time. The New York Times called it the most expensive school building ever constructed in the United States, and the largest.

The National Association of Architects (NAA) once called it "the most beautiful high school building in America," the only one in the nation to earn that accolade from the NAA.

The students said they are looking forward to President Clinton's Sept. 25 visit. Mack McLarty, a senior White House aide, told the Arkansas Democrat and Gazette that Clinton will give "one of his most important speeches." He will be introduced by Fatima McKindra, the first black female president of the school's student body.

In a highly symbolic gesture, the president is expected to hold open the door to the school as the Little Rock Nine, now in their mid-fifties, enter once again this time with the support of most of the people of Arkansas and the whole nation.