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Under the protection of the Army, nine African American students entered Central High School for their first full day of school.
Fast forward more than a half-century, and Gov. Mike Beebe has declared Sept. 25, 2009, Little Rock Nine Day.
Friday, there were a couple of organizations that teamed-up in honor of the anniversary of the integration of Central High School.
The school itself even got in on the action. Students there led tours of the campus. It was all to show how far we have come.
There was jamboree with brightly colored displays and loads of cultural entertainment was Little Rock's way of giving kids a lesson in diversity.
"I think it's very important that way we're more tolerant," says parent Tonda Gresham.
It was the 14th Annual WorldFest, the brainchild of the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission, held in conjunction with anniversary of the integration of Central High School.
"I think it's good for kids at a young age to realize that there are different cultures and it's important to accept them," says parent Shavonee McClendon.
WorldFest was one of events going on in Little Rock celebrating the progress achieved in a half century. The Little Rock Central High School National Site got in on the celebration too. Instead of telling people about the events of 1957, they let people see for themselves.
Guests had a chance to see images of nine students, who despite the rage of angry mobs and the resistance of state and local government, sought access to equal education.
At Philander Smith College, was day-two of a symposium on social and political issues. It featured Mayor Mark Stodola and Ernest Green one of the students forever marked the Little Rock Nine.
"To stand back now and see we were able to have impact, makes you feel proud," says Green.
Borrowing the closing remarks from Mayor Stodola, Little Rock Nine Day was in honor of the progress already made and an acknowledgement of strides yet to come.
