Medals for ‘Little Rock 9’ OKd by House

WASHINGTON —  The heroism of nine black teenagers who were cursed and spat upon as they integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., would be recognized with Congress’ most prestigious civilian award under a bill the House passed Friday.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting honor for civil rights pioneers whose bravery and courage Congress had yet to recognize.

“Today our nation has a solemn and long overdue thank you,” said Thompson, sponsor of the measure, passed by voice vote. “Thank you for the civil rights pioneers who blazed a trail through the wilderness of racial discrimination to lead our nation, kicking and screaming at times, down the path of justice and equality.”

The Senate passed companion legislation in July but will consider the House bill.

Each person in the group known as the “Little Rock Nine” would receive a medal.

President Washington was the first of more than 120 people to receive the award. Others include Walt Disney, Bob Hope, Mother Teresa and Frank Sinatra.

More than 40 years ago in 1957, the group’s attempts to attend school met resistance from the Arkansas governor, local leaders and a unit of the National Guard. They made it to class when President Eisenhower ordered U.S. Army paratroopers to escort them through mobs of unruly whites to enforce the Supreme Court’s school desegregation order.

Now middle-age, the nine are Jean Brown Trickey, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Melba Patillo Beals, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed Wair, Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford and Jefferson Thomas.