2025.02.05 THROW BACK THURSDAY - HISTORY THEN AND NOW: THE NLR NINE PLUS CLASS NEWS
THROW BACK THURSDAY - HISTORY THEN AND NOW: THE NLR NINE
PLUS CLASS NEWS
February marks Black History Month in the United States.
Today, we'll be sharing the untold story of the North Little Rock Six, a lesser known civil rights action in Arkansas.
The North Little Rock Six consisted of Scipio A. Jones High School seniors Richard Lewis Lindsey, Gerald Allen Persons, Harold Gene Smith, Eugene Edward Hall, Frank Herman Henderson, and William Mack Henderson of the North Little Rock School District.
In the summer of 1957, the North Little Rock School Board voted to begin desegregating NLRSD schools, admitting seniors who were Black to North Little Rock High School, the formerly all-white campus.
On September 9, 1957, the same day as the Little Rock Nine’s civil rights action, the North Little Rock Six attempted to enter North Little Rock High School twice. Both times, the crowd would not allow them to physically enter the building.
After Arkansas Governor Orval E. Faubus mobilized the National Guard to prevent integration at Little Rock Central High School, officials of the North Little Rock School Board postponed their integration plan "indefinitely.”
Despite the Little Rock Nine’s national attention and backing by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the North Little Rock Six did not experience the same immediate involvement and coverage.
We are honored to share the stories of lesser known Black history in the United States.
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More history being made at Central High School today:
"WALKOUT today protesting ICE at the Historic Central High School In Little Rock."
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1956 CLASS NEWS
As we get ready for our 70th Reunion, here are a couple of pictures from past Reunions and get togethers for BBQ:
Hammond "Quarterback" Satterfield, Jim Wallis and Bill Hedges that we all miss.
Lamar "Buddy" Riggs, Terry Watson, there's Hammond again, Jones BBQ owner and Joe Crow
1954 CLASS NEWS
Lonnie Charles Branton
September 8, 1936 — January 24, 2026
Benton
Listen to Obituary
Lonnie Charles Branton, 89, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, January 24, 2026. He promised all who crossed his path during his waking moments of 2026 that he would stay for the first snow fall of the year, and he did, passing quietly in the morning as the snow fell without a sound. Lonnie was born September 8,1936 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the youngest son of Rachel Wood and Lonnie Wilson Branton, and he was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Raymond and Edgar; and his sisters Elizabeth, Marjorie, and Mary. On November 22, 1956, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Louise (Waggoner) Branton, whom he credited for pointing him to Jesus. They remained married for 69 years, raised five children, and built a business together. Lonnie is survived by his wife Carolyn; his three sons: Philip, Ross (Julie), Nick (Beth);and two daughters: Keeley Kirksey (Greg) and Catherine Rhodes. As a grandfather, he was surrounded by his angels in life, his grandchildren: Jared Landers (Jessica), Kyle Landers (LeAnne), Angie Neufer (Jordan), Tiffany Stroman (Adam), Thomas Rhodes, Connor Branton, Caitlyn Branton, and Carolyn Rhodes. Then, he received a second chapter of this deep love when he was surrounded by his great grandchildren: Madden, Knox, Remi, Lane, Trace, and Abby Grace. They were a dream Epilogue to Lonnie’s life and never ceased to make him smile. Throughout his life Lonnie enjoyed spending his free time golfing with friends, traveling with Carolyn, listening to the Highwaymen and Alan Jackson, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Arkansas Razorbacks play ball. Lonnie possessed a sharp wit and a sudden, contagious laugh. He loved old movies, creating elaborate grocery lists, and whipping up a pie or two when asked. After 89 years of life and love, Lonnie lived and left a legacy of wonderfully, brave and unique human beings behind. For that we are grateful and confident his faith in Christ secured his place in heaven where he lives on forever. Plans are pending for a memorial service and family celebration of Lonnie’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Church at Rock Creek Food Bank. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Family Funeral Homes. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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PEARLS OF WISDOM: (Thanks, Bick!)
The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending;
and to have the two as close together as possible.
- George Burns
ML