Smithsonian African American Museum To Honor 60th Anniversary Of Little Rock Nine

The National Museum of African American History & Culture will be hosting a panel with some of the students from the historical Little Rock Nine group.

Titled "Reflections of the Little Rock Nine 1957–2017," the panel discussion will include six of the nine students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957 following the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision to ban school segregation.

The event will be a part of the NMAAHC's first-year anniversary celebration, which takes place September 23-24 and the 26th. The first day will include several performances on the museum grounds from Ballou High School's Majestic Knights Marching Band, KanKouran West African Dance Company, Experience Unlimited, and GR!DC (Girls Rock DC). The second day will feature performances from Afro-Brazilian band Batala Washington, jazz performer Rochelle Rice, and hip-hop artist Christylez Bacon.

The festivities conclude on the 26th with the Little Rock Nine panel.

"We are so grateful to America for making this first year unprecedentedly successful," Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the museum, said in a press release. "This first anniversary gives us at the Smithsonian the opportunity to thank everyone for this incredible gift and for making it possible to continue our mission to help America grapple with history by seeing their past through an African American lens – and ultimately help Americans find healing and reconciliation."

Registration has already reached capacity but you can still sign up just in case more slots become available here. Museum hours for both the 23rd and 24th will be extended, with the museum staying open until 7:30 pm.