Little Rock Nine member Jefferson Thomas dies

[cal04]

Source: CNN

Jefferson Thomas, one of the so-called "Little Rock Nine," the nine students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957, has died, according to Carlotta Walls LaNier, president of the group's foundation. He was 67.

Thomas died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday, the Little Rock Nine Foundation said in a statement.

As a 15-year-old, Thomas was one of the nine African-American students who braved segregationist mobs to integrate the all-white school under the protection of military forces.

Read more: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/06/little-rock-nine-student-dies-of-cancer/

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RIP Jefferson Thomas


http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/06/little-rock-nine-student-dies-of-cancer/
Jefferson Thomas, left, with members of the "Little Rock Nine" and former President Bill Clinton in 1998.

[RamboLiberal]

1. Little Rock Nine member Jefferson Thomas dies

Source: MSNBC/AP

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Jefferson Thomas, one of the first nine black students to enroll in desegregated Arkansas' schools, has died at age 68 in Columbus, Ohio.

Fellow Little Rock Nine member Minnijean Trickey Brown says Thomas died Sunday. Trickey Brown did not know the cause of death and declined further comment.

In 1957, Thomas and Trickey Brown joined Elizabeth Eckford, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed Wair, Terrence Roberts, Melba Patillo Beals and Ernest Green in becoming the first black students to attend Little Rock Central High School.

President Dwight Eisenhower dispatched the 101st Airborne to escort the students after Little Rock after Gov. Orval Faubus tried to prevent them from enrolling at the school.


Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39026121/ns/us_news/

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RIP Mr. Thomas. Let us never forget that shameful time in our history or the courage of Little Rock Nine.

[hlthe2b]

2. I like his name, "Jefferson Thomas..."

RIP, sir.... I hope you saw some vindication in your lifetime.

[HughBeaumont]

3. R.I.P., and thank you.

A truly brave American, one from whom our present population can LEARN from. Nothing will be accomplished unless you STAND.

[Dennis Donovan]

4. Cross gently, brave soul...

...and thank you.:patriot:

[TBF]

5. Thank you for your strength -

RIP.

[Rhiannon12866]

6. How very sad... K&R.

What courage he must have had... ;(

[superconnected]

7. He does have a great name!

RIP brave soul! And you did this at only 15yo!