Thelma Mothershed-Wair, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and a member of the historic Little Rock Nine, has passed away at the age of 83 due to complications from multiple sclerosis, as confirmed by her sister, Grace Davis, to CNN.
In 1957, Mothershed-Wair and eight other courageous students—Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls—made history by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their efforts were met with violent resistance from the community, including an initial blockade by Governor Orval Faubus, who deployed the National Guard to prevent their entry following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed segregation unconstitutional. It was only after President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened and sent federal troops that the Little Rock Nine were able to attend school.
After facing the challenges of school integration in Little Rock, Mothershed-Wair completed her high school education out of state and graduated from Central High. She went on to earn degrees in home economics education and guidance counseling, dedicating her career to teaching and counseling in East St. Louis, Illinois, where she positively impacted countless young lives. In 1999, she and other members of the Little Rock Nine received the Congressional Gold Medal, for their bravery and courage.
Cover photo: Remembering Civil Rights Pioneer and Little Rock Nine Member Thelma Mothershed-Wair / Photo Credit: KATV