News Release

69th Anniversary Commemoration of the Little Rock Nine Program Series

The United sculpture stands amid a vibrant bed of yellow pansies, its intertwined figures and golden ring evoking connection and shared purpose against the backdrop of Little Rock Central High School.

NPS Photo/B. Schwieger

News Release Date: August 31, 2026

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site will host a series of programs September 17–25 commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine and exploring themes of constitutional rights, citizenship, civic engagement, and the continuing pursuit of equality.

The programs are presented as a partnership between the National Park Service and the City of Little Rock, Little Rock School District, Clinton Foundation, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock Police Department, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.


Thursday, September 17 — 6 p.m.
Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Garden View Room
Constitution Day Conversation

Omavi Shukur, assistant professor at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and Jim Ross, professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, explore citizenship and its relationship to the United States Constitution.

The program commemorates the 239th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, a date recognized nationally as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.



Saturday, September 19 — 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 — 2 p.m.
Little Rock Central High School, Roosevelt Thompson Auditorium
The United States of America—Charters of Freedom

This student-led play about the Bill of Rights explores themes of rights, liberty, and civic participation while giving students an opportunity to share their learning with the public.


Friday, September 25 — 6 p.m.
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church
1109 S. State St., Little Rock, AR 72202

The evening program brings together four of the Little Rock Nine, providing visitors an opportunity to hear directly from individuals who experienced the historic events surrounding the integration of Central High School. Through their perspectives and reflections, the program will explore the Constitution’s promise of equal protection and the continuing importance of civic engagement, constitutional rights, and the rule of law.

Presented as part of the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the programs highlight the enduring themes of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Together, the events invite audiences to learn more about the history of the Little Rock Nine and reflect on how the struggle for equal rights continues to shape the meaning of American democracy.

For more information and the latest program details, visit the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site calendar of events.

Tags: little rock, little rock nine, little rock central high school desegregation crisis, little rock central high school, little rock central high school national historic site, little rock crisis, civil rights, civil rights movement, school desegregation, school integration, constitutional rights, us constitution, citizenship, civic engagement, equality, equal protection, rule of law, african american history, arkansas history, constitution day, commemoration, america 250

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