Today in 1957: 9 Black students—the Little Rock Nine—entered the all-white Central High School in Arkansas, escorted by U.S. troops. Their first day of school ended years of legal challenges and weeks of tense standoffs.

For the students, however, the fight was just beginning.

Like other young Black students, the Little Rock Nine stood on the front lines of desegregation. In school, they faced discrimination, insults, and other forms of abuse.

[: Little Rock Nine with other students, 1958]

Minnijean Brown-Trickey, one of the nine, was terrorized by some white students: punched, shoved, and kicked in hallways. When she stood up for herself, she was suspended, then expelled.

Her suspension note, transcribed by our @TranscribeSI #volunpeers: https://transcription.si.edu/project/23313 

In 1958, the Little Rock Nine and their legal advocate, activist Daisy Bates, received the NAACP's Spingarn Medal, the organization's highest honor.

Minnijean Brown-Trickey wore this dress to the award ceremony. She later wore it to a dance at her new high school in New York.

Throughout history, girls like Minnijean Brown-Trickey have spoken up, challenged expectations, and been on the frontlines of social change

Next month, we'll explore their stories in our new exhibition, "Girlhood (It's complicated)." https://s.si.edu/girlhood  #BecauseOfHerStory

This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative: http://womenshistory.si.edu/donors . #BecauseOfHerStory