Same Day-Personal Narrative

Sept. 23, 1957: They finally returned today. All of the members of the LR9 made an appearance at school, or at least tried to. You weren’t around to see it, but the LR9 did not have the most exhilarating day. Maybe I should say half day. They didn’t stay very long, I believe they left at about noon. Thelma Mothershed was in three of my classes, and every time I faced her she looked sick to her stomach. However, I don’t think she was cold and flu sick, I would look the same way if I couldn’t make it down the hallway without being bulldozed or called a cruddy name. One of the students kicked Thelma in the back of her knees, causing her to collapse on top of her books. When I saw that, I thought of you. I knew that’s not what you wanted for these kids. You wanted them to get a proper education, not to be bullied everyday by biased
students. So i helped her out. That’s what Mama always taught me, to help others before yourself. I picked up her books and gave her a sly smile before walking away. I wish I’d made conversation, but I’m still proud of myself. - Elise Merchant

Sept. 24 1957: I told Mama about what happened to Thelma yesterday and she started shouting at me. She said if I kept being cordial to the LR9 the segregationists would come and attack me. She said they would want to harm me as much as they’d want to harm the LR9. I guess she’s kinda right. - Elise Merchant

Sept.
25 1957: A segment of our nation's army arrived at my school today. This might not be what you wanted to hear, but no one in Little Rock took you seriously until we saw the big green fighting machines in full view. They were all taller than me, every single one of them, and all of them gave the same type of look on their face. A look of importance.

It was easy to tell everyone started holding back more from their protests to stop integration after your soldiers moved nicely into the Little Rock High School football field, but people were mad too. Mad at their President for doing a civil justice. That’s one wrecked society. A society that would rather launch a bomb than let kids get their education based on the color of their skin. I find it sad that you had to send in a portion of our nation’s army in the first place. It shouldn’t take that much force to try and uphold our Constitution. You’re just trying to enforce the ruling of separate not being equal and everyone deserving the same quality of education. You’re not really biased Mr. President, but some people still find a way to become outraged by nothing - Elise
Merchant