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.

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National Park Service Speaker Series

Hosted by Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the National Park Service Speaker Series is an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering awareness and dialogue about critical issues of equality, justice, and human rights. Featuring a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers, including activists, scholars, and leaders from various fields, the series will a platform for learning powerful stories and gaining historical insights. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations on historical and contemporary civil rights challenges, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for social justice and the importance of collective action in creating a more equitable society.


Beginning in August 2024, each event in the series is designed to educate and motivate audiences, encouraging them to reflect 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. By fostering an environment of learning and activism, the National Park Service Speaker Series aims to empower individuals to become advocates for change and champions of human dignity.


Little Rock Central High School NHS is committed to the accessibility of our programming and facilities. If you have accessibility-related accommoation need for the program, please contact Brian Schwieger, Accessibility Coordinator, by email {[e-mail] (with Accessibility in the subject line)} or by phone at [phone].


Each of the programs in the National Park Service Speaker Series is free and open to the public; below are the dates, times and the corresponding speakers and topics. All programs will be held at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site visitor center located at 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive; more programs will be added at a later date:

 

Upcoming Presenters in the NPS Speaker Series

 

Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton

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Saturday, October 26 - 11:00 A.M.

Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton - A Conversation on Desegregation at Central High School after the Crisis

Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton is a lifelong educator and advocate for social justice. As the first three-year African American graduate of Little Rock Central High School, Dr. Hampton regularly engages with students and the public, discussing her experiences and the importance of inclusivity.

She served as President of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and Contributions Manager at the GTE Corporate Foundation before retiring in 2006. Her 23-year academic career included roles at Iona College, the University of Wisconsin, and Southwestern University. Early in her career, she taught elementary school and worked at the Social Security Payment Center.

Dr. Hampton holds degrees in English Literature, Teaching, and Higher Education from Earlham College, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University's Teachers College. She has received numerous honors, including awards from the University of Chicago, Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Little Rock Central High School Tiger Foundation. She has held leadership roles with the Little Rock Aesthetic Club, the Little Rock Club, and various boards, and remains active in the community as a Life Member of several organizations, including the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Arkansas Symphony Guild.

After retirement, Dr. Hampton served as Interim General Manager of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and continues to consult on economic, educational, and social justice issues. A prominent speaker, she has addressed audiences on topics related to the American school desegregation struggle, including international presentations in Northern Ireland.

 

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"