Special Programs

A statue on the grounds at Central High entitled "United" depicts two figures with raised arms holding rings that almost completely interlock - a symbolic reminder of the work still to be done to ensure educational equality.

NPS Photo

National Park Service Speaker Series

Hosted by the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the National Park Service Speaker Series is an inspiring initiative designed to promote awareness and dialogue on key issues of equality, justice, and human rights. The series features a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers, including activists, scholars, and leaders from various fields, offering a platform to share powerful stories and gain historical insights.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions on both historical and contemporary civil rights challenges. The series emphasizes the ongoing struggle for social justice and highlights the importance of collective action in building a more equitable society.

Launching in August 2024, each event is crafted to educate and inspire audiences, encouraging reflection on their roles in advancing civil rights. Through these compelling presentations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of systemic injustices and the intersectionality of civil rights issues. The Speaker Series fosters a space for learning and activism, empowering individuals to become advocates for change and champions of human dignity.

Accessibility

The Little Rock Central High School NHS is dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of its programs and facilities. If you require accommodations, please contact Brian Schwieger, Accessibility Coordinator, via email at e-mail us (include “Accessibility” in the subject line) or by phone at [phone].

Event Details

Each program in the National Park Service Speaker Series is free and open to the public. Below are the dates, times, speakers, and topics for upcoming events. All programs will take place at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center, located at 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. Additional programs will be announced at a later date.

Stay tuned for more updates on this engaging and impactful series!

 

Upcoming Presenters in the NPS Speaker Series

 

Phyllis Brown

photo courtesy - Phyllis Brown

Saturday, December 7, 2024
11:00 a.m. CST
Phyllis Brown - "A Brown Sister Speaks"

Phyllis Brown is a lifelong advocate for equality and justice. Educated in Little Rock’s segregated public schools, she went on to earn a B.S. in Mass Communication from Southern Illinois University. A former member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Brown has dedicated her life to social activism, education, and the arts, using her voice to speak truth to power. Her presentation will reflect on her rich legacy of activism and the intersection of civil rights, education, and cultural expression. Phyllis’s sister, Minnijean Brown Trickey, is one of the Little Rock Nine.

 

Previous presenters in the NPS Speaker Series

 

Saturday, August 17, 2024
Dr. John Kirk - "A Conversation on the Civil Rights Movement in Little Rock after the Central High Crisis"

Saturday, September 14, 2024
Joseph McGill, Jr. - "A Conversation on the Social History of Our Built Environment"

Saturday, October 26, 2024
Postponed for the Funeral of Thelma Mothershed Wair, a member of the Little Rock Nine

Saturday, November 9, 2024
Dr. Brian Mitchell - "A Conversation on the Elaine Massacre - Why It Happened, Why It's Hidden, and Where Do We Go From Here"