School Desegregation Timeline

The information below is compiled primarily from regular reports on school desegregation published in the Arkansas Gazette. Sometimes, however, schools would be listed as desegregated at the same time that it was noted no actual African American students were attending said school. These discrepancies are noted in the chart.

Year Desegregation Initiated	School District	Notes
1946	Lower Wharton Creek School (Madison County)	One Black pupil was quietly admitted to a white school despite state segregation laws.
1954	Charleston (Franklin County)	In 1954, desegregation began with 11 Black students. In 1963, an estimated 18 of the 18 Black students residing in the district were enrolled. In 1964, Charleston officially desegregated all 12 grades reporting the same number, 18 of 18 Black students, enrolled in the district. In 1965, 17 of 17 Black students residing in the district were enrolled. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1954	Fayetteville (Washington County)	In 1954, desegregation began with five Black students. In 1963, an estimated 56 of 130 Black students enrolled in the district were integrated: approx. 26 at Fayetteville HS; approx. 15 at Hillcrest Jr HS; approx. 15 at Woodland Jr HS. In 1964, Fayetteville integrated mainly its top six grades, including 67 of 136 Black students enrolled in the district: 11 at Fayetteville Elementary Exceptional Children; 15 at Hillcrest Jr HS; 15 at Woodland Jr HS; and 26 at Fayetteville HS. In 1965, 130 of 130 Black students were enrolled. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1954	Sheridan (Grant County)	The school board was the first in Arkansas to vote to desegregate but soon reversed course after local opposition; major local employer relocated African American employees out of town, and the schools did not admit non-white students for decades.
1955	Bentonville (Benton County)	In 1955, one Black student was admitted. In 1963, three of three Black students residing in the district were enrolled. In 1964, Bentonville officially integrated all 12 grades with all four of the Black students who lived in the district. In 1965, six of six Black students were enrolled. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1955	Hoxie (Lawrence County)	In 1955, desegregation began with little opposition until the district attracted notice in Life magazine, drawing segregationists to protest, but district leaders maintained the course. In 1963, Hoxie had integrated four of four Black students enrolled in the district. In 1964, Hoxie announced they had integrated all 12 grades with one of one Black students enrolled. In 1965, one Black student was enrolled. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1956	Hot Springs (Garland County)	In 1956, desegregation began with six Black students. In 1963, of 1,090 Black students enrolled in the district, 10 Black students were integrated: two at East Side Elem; one at Greenwood Elem; one at Rix Elem; two at Jones Elem; and an estimated four at the HS Auto Mechanics. In 1964, of 1,200 Black students enrolled in the district, 13 Black students were integrated in grades 1–4: four at East Side Elem; one at Greenwood Elem; three at Jones Elem; one at Rix Elem; and an estimated four at HS Auto Mechanics. In 1965, 60 of 1,300 Black students had been integrated. In 1966, a reported 5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1957	Fort Smith (Sebastian County)	In 1957, one Black six-year-old was admitted to a white elementary school, but the city continued to delay desegregation, even announcing the building of more segregated schools, until a 1965 U.S. Supreme Court case. In 1963, Fort Smith had 1,222 Black students enrolled in the district, 31 integrated: 13 at Parker Elem; 17 at Duval Elem; and one at Darby Jr HS. In 1964, Fort Smith had 1,128 Black students enrolled in the district and 290 Black students integrated in grades 1–8, including: 11 at Belle Grove Elem; 11 at Belle Point Elem; 29 at DuVal Elem; one at Echols Elem; 32 at Parker Elem; three at Sutton Elem; 165 at Darby Jr HS; and 38 at Dora Kimmons Jr HS. In 1965, 430 of 1,433 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 57.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1957	Little Rock (Pulaski County)	In 1957, desegregation at Central High encountered massive resistance that led to the state closing city high schools the following year; other legal cases stretched on for decades. In 1963, of 7,046 Black students enrolled in the district, 123 Black students were integrated: 33 at Central HS; 10 at Hall HS; four at Technical HS; 19 at East Side Jr HS; three at Forest Heights Jr HS; five at Pulaski Heights Jr HS; one at Southwest Jr HS; 33 at West Side Jr HS; four at Centennial Elem; two at Jackson Elem; two at Lee Elem; three at Mitchell Elem; one at Oakhurst Elem; two at Wilson Elem; and one at Woodruff Elem. In 1964, of 7,496 Black students enrolled in the district, 213 Black students were integrated. Little Rock announced that it had integrated all 12 grades, including: 76 at Central HS; 18 at Hall HS; two at Technical HS; four at Henderson Jr HS; four at Forest Heights Jr HS; 12 at Pulaski Heights Jr HS; two at Southwest Jr HS; 32 at West Side Jr HS; 10 at Centennial Elem; three at Jackson Elem; two at Lee Elem; 27 at Mitchell Elem; two at Oakhurst Elem; 7 at Romine Elem; 10 at Wilson Elem; and two at Woodruff Elem. In 1965, 621 of 7,651 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 8.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1957	Ozark (Franklin County)	Initial attempts to desegregate with three Black students were delayed by local opposition until January 1958, but the school essentially re-segregated in 1959, and the busing of Black students elsewhere did not end until 1965. In 1965, five of 13 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1957	Van Buren (Crawford County)	In 1957, desegregation began with 23 Black students and moderate opposition. In 1963, an estimated 55 of 55 Black students were integrated. In 1964, Van Buren integrated all 12 grades with 75 of 75 Black students. In 1965, 80 of 80 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1959	Pulaski County Special School District	One school on the Little Rock Air Force Base desegregated to avoid losing federal funding; court cases regarding desegregation continued for years.
1960	Dollarway (Jefferson County)	In 1960, the school district was ordered to end segregation in the Dove v. Parham ruling. In 1963, two of the 1,462 Black students in the district had been integrated. In 1964, Dollarway announced they had integrated grades 1–3 and 10–12. This still included only two Black students of the now 1,698 Black students enrolled in the district. In 1965, 23 of 1,747 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1962	Gosnell (Mississippi County)	In 1962, Gosnell desegregated to avoid losing federal funding for a school on Blytheville Air Force Base. In 1963, Gosnell had an estimated 20 of 40 Black students enrolled at integrated schools. In 1964, Gosnell announced they had fully integrated all 12 grades, with 20 of 38 Black students in the district attending integrated schools. In 1965, 33 of 41 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 85.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1962	Mansfield (Sebastian and Scott Counties)	In 1962, 14 of 14 African American students were enrolled. In 1963, 14 of 14 were still attending. In 1964, Mansfield announced they had integrated all 12 grades with 12 of 12 Black students attending integrated schools. In 1965, six of six Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1963	Pine Bluff (Jefferson County)	In 1963, of 3,525 Black students enrolled in the district, five Black students were integrated: two at Lakeside Elem; two at First Ward Elem; and one at Oak Park Elem. In 1964, of 3,796 Black students enrolled in the district, 11 Black students were integrated in grades 1–4: four at Lakeside Elem; four at First Ward Elem; and three at Oak Park Elem. In 1966, a reported 1.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1963	Pulaski County Rural	In 1963, of 4,034 Black students enrolled in the district, 25 Black students were integrated: 22 at LRAFB Elem; two at Jacksonville Jr HS; and one at Jacksonville Sr HS. In 1964, of 4,371 Black students enrolled in the district, 53 Black students were integrated; the district announced all 12 grades were integrated: 28 at LRAFB Elem; two at Jacksonville Jr HS; three at Jacksonville Sr HS; three at Fuller Elem; 10 at Fuller HS; and seven at David O. Dodd Elem.
1964	Alma (Crawford County)	Of the 31 Black students enrolled in the district, 16 of them were integrated in the upper six grades at the Jr and Sr HSs. In 1965, 30 of 30 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Atkins (Pope County)	Desegregation proceeded after the school board decided to end busing. Of the 78 Black students enrolled in the district, 26 of them were integrated in grades 9–12 at the Jr and Sr HSs. In 1965, 40 of 73 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 54.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Batesville (Independence County)	Of the 126 Black students enrolled in the district, 11 Black first-grade students were integrated: four at East Elem; four at Central Elem; and three at West Elem. In 1965, 41 of 123 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 33% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Danville (Yell County)	Desegregation proceeded after the school board decided to end busing. Danville integrated all 12 grades with the 12 Black students who lived in the district. In 1965, 13 of 13 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Dardanelle (Yell County)	Desegregation proceeded after the school board decided to end busing. In 1964, only 15 of the 58 Black students were integrated attending the local HS. In 1965, 33 of 33 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Forrest City (St. Francis County)	Of 3,609 Black students enrolled in the district, only one Black student was integrated at Sam Smith Jr HS but withdrew after a few weeks. In 1965, 77 of 3,933 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Havana (Yell County)	Desegregation proceeded after the school board decided to end busing. An estimated 12 of 12 Black students enrolled in the district were integrated. In 1965, 17 of 17 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	North Little Rock (Pulaski County)	Early attempt by the North Little Rock Six in 1957 to enter North Little Rock Sr HS was resisted. In 1964, of 2,902 Black students enrolled in the district, eight Black students were integrated in grades 1–2: five at Clendenin Elem and three at Riverside Elem. In 1965, 108 of 3,219 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Ola (Yell County)	Desegregation proceeded after the school board decided to end busing. All 12 grades were announced desegregated, with 14 of 14 Black students enrolled. In 1965, 13 of 13 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Russellville (Pope County)	Desegregation proceeded following parental complaints about the distance Black students were being bussed. Of 114 Black students enrolled in the district, 32 were integrated in grades 9–12: 23 at Russellville Sr HS and nine at Gardner Jr HS. In 1965, 70 of 110 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 63.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1964	Texarkana (Miller County)	Of the 2,064 Black students enrolled in the district, five Black students were integrated into grades 1–2: three at Fairview Elem and two at Vera Kilpatrick Elem. In 1965, 20 of 2,257 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Altheimer (Jefferson County)	In 1965, 12 of 991 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Arkadelphia (Clark County)	In 1965, 61 of 859 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 7.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Arkansas City (Desha County)	In 1965, zero of 115 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Arkansas School for the Deaf	Black deaf children were consolidated on the main campus.
1965	Armorel (Mississippi County)	In 1965, 63 of 303 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 21.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Ashdown (Little River County)	In 1965, two of 610 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Aubrey (Lee County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, zero of 273 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Augusta (Woodruff County)	In 1965, four of 723 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Bald Knob (White County)	In 1965, 43 of 43 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Barton (Phillips County)	In 1965, 41 of 741 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 5.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Bay (Craighead County)	In 1965, 24 of 24 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Bearden (Ouachita County)	In 1965, nine of 346 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Beebe (White County)	In 1965, 43 of 43 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Beedeville (Jackson County)	In 1965, 13 of 39 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 38.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Benton (Saline County)	In 1965, 100 of 283 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 35.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Biggers-Reyno (Randolph County)	In 1965, six of six Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Blevins (Hempstead County)	In 1965, three of 233 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Blytheville (Mississippi County)	Freedom of choice plan initiated but real desegregation did not occur until 1970, amid an ongoing boycott of local businesses. In 1965, 12 of 2,581 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Bradley (Lafayette County)	Listed as desegregated, but no Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, nine of 485 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Black students were reported as enrolled in subsequent years 1966–67.
1965	Brickeys (Lee County)	In 1965, four of 363 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Brinkley (Monroe County)	In 1965, 19 of 984 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Bryant (Saline County)	NA
1965	Burdette (Mississippi County)	In 1965, three of 164 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Cabot (Lonoke County)	Five Black students were enrolled at the elementary level, with upper grades desegregating the following year. In 1965, nine of nine Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Caddo Gap (Montgomery County)	In 1965, three of three Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Calhoun County	County District. In 1965, a reported “NA” of 194 Black students were integrated.
1965	Camden (Ouachita County)	In 1965, 25 of 1,637 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Carlisle (Lonoke County)	In 1965, 44 of 138 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Carthage (Dallas County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, zero of 200 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Black students were reported as enrolled in 1967.
1965	Cherry Valley (Cross County)	In 1965, 30 of 50 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Chicot County	County District. In 1965, six of 45 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 6.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Chidester (Ouachita County)	Freedom of choice plan was implemented, leading to a few Black students attending white schools. In 1965, nine of 362 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Schools were declared integrated in 1969, but four Black teachers sued the district for their dismissal, and their claim was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1971.
1965	Clarendon (Monroe County)	In 1965, 12 of 400 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Clarksville (Johnson County)	In 1965, 61 of 61 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Clinton (Van Buren County)	In 1965, 20 of 20 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Collins (Drew County)	In 1965, zero of 112 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Conway (Faulkner County)	In 1965, 39 of 507 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 8.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Conway County	County District. In 1965, three of 161 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Cotton Plant (Woodruff County)	In 1965, two of 766 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Crossett (Ashley County)	In 1965, four of 908 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	De Queen (Sevier County)	In 1965, 40 of 67 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 58.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Delight (Pike County)	In 1965, 40 of 40 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Dell (Mississippi County)	In 1965, 55 of 113 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 31.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Dermott (Chicot County)	In 1965, 4 of 971 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Des Arc (Prairie County)	In 1965, 0 of 233 Black students were integrated, but the school began preparing for desegregation to take place the following year.
1965	Desha County	Desha Co #4, County District, Desha Central, Desha-Drew. Plan and Grades: FC all by 1965. In 1965, 0 of 131 Black students were integrated in County District; 3 of 325 Black students were integrated in Desha Central; and 18 of 100 Black students were integrated in Desha-Drew. In 1966, a reported 0.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated for County, 0.9% for Central, and 4.5% for Drew.
1965	DeValls Bluff (Prairie County)	In 1965, 0 of 203 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	DeWitt (Arkansas County)	In 1965, 38 of 330 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 21.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Dierks (Howard County)	In 1965, 43 of 43 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Drew County	Drew Central. In 1965, 30 of 245 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 32.7% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Dumas (Desha County)	In 1965, 40 of 1,368 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Earle (Crittenden County)	In 1965, “NA” of 1,294 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a report of percentages marked this district “NA.”
1965	East End (Perry County)	In 1965, 25 of 55 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 45.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	El Dorado (Union County)	In 1965, 10 of 2,200 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Elaine (Phillips County)	In 1965, 11 of 903 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Emerson (Columbia County)	In 1965, 27 of 320 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 8.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Emmet (Nevada and Hempstead Counties)	In 1965, zero of 53 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	England (Lonoke County)	In 1965, zero of 633 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Eudora (Chicot County)	In 1965, nine of 1,181 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Fairview (Ouachita County)	In 1965, one of 630 Black students was integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Faulkner County	County District. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Fordyce (Dallas County)	In 1965, 20 of 658 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Foreman (Little River County)	In 1965, three of 263 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Fountain Hill (Ashley County)	In 1965, 16 of 64 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 25% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Franklin County	County District. In 1965, two of two Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Garland (Miller County)	In 1965, 12 of 137 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 8.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Gillette (Arkansas County)	In 1965, 20 of 97 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 21.7% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Glendale (Lincoln County)	In 1965, 52 of 119 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 43.7% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Glenwood (Pike County)	In 1965, three of five Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Gould (Lincoln County)	In 1965, 65 of 433 Black students were allowed to attend white schools, but full desegregation was achieved only in 1967 after Raney v. Board of Education court case. In 1966, a reported 15.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Grady (Lincoln County)	In 1965, 47 of 634 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 7.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Grapevine (Grant County)	In 1965, 17 of 67 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 27.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Greenbrier (Faulkner County)	In 1965, 27 of 27 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Guernsey (Hempstead County)	In 1965, zero of 95 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Gurdon (Clark County)	In 1965, 16 of 465 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Guy (Faulkner County)	Guy Perkins. In 1965, 42 of 112 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 37.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Hamburg (Ashley County)	In 1965, one of 400 Black students was integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Hampton (Calhoun County)	In 1965, 16 of 233 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 6.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Harmony Grove (Ouachita County)	In 1965, nine of 256 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Harrisburg (Poinsett County)	In 1965, 62 of 62 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Hazen (Prairie County)	In 1965, zero of 130 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Helena-West Helena (Phillips County)	In 1965, 100 of 4,187 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Hermitage (Bradley County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, three of 459 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Black students were reported as enrolled in subsequent years 1966–67.
1965	Holly Grove (Monroe County)	In 1965, “NA” of 958 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a report of percentages marked this district “NA.”
1965	Hope (Hempstead County)	In 1965, 25 of 1,105 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Horatio (Sevier County)	In 1965, 21 of 21 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Hughes (St. Francis County)	In 1965, three of 1,831 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Humnoke (Lonoke County)	In 1965, zero of 234 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Humphrey (Arkansas and Jefferson Counties)	In 1965, five of 145 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Huttig (Union County)	In 1965, zero of 231 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Izard County	In 1965, two of two Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Jefferson County	County District. In 1965, 40 of 219 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 18.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Jonesboro (Craighead County)	Desegregation proceeded with little opposition, and the local Booker T. Washington High School, the longstanding Black school, closed. In 1965, 32 of 522 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 6.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Judsonia (White County)	In 1965, 12 of 12 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Junction City (Union County)	In 1965, zero of 599 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Keiser (Mississippi County)	In 1965, 36 of 137 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 18.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Kensett (White County)	In 1965, 61 of 127 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 48% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Kingsland (Cleveland County)	In 1965, 11 of 85 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 12.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Lake Hamilton (Garland County)	In 1965, 13 of 13 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Lake Village (Chicot County)	In 1965, five of 1,115 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Lawson (Union County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, zero of zero Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Leola (Grant County)	In 1965, 10 of 10 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Lepanto (Poinsett County)	In 1965, 40 of 116 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 34.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Lewisville (Lafayette County)	In 1965, eight of 400 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Linwood (Jefferson County)	In 1965, 10 of 395 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Lonoke (Lonoke County)	In 1965, 13 of 439 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Luxora (Mississippi County)	In 1965, 13 of 525 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Magnolia (Columbia County)	In 1965, 25 of 1,110 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Malvern (Hot Spring County)	In 1965, 30 of 1,550 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Marianna (Lee County)	Desegregation drove many white students to Lee Academy, a new segregationist private school, while dissatisfaction among Black students and townspeople led to a city-wide boycott. In 1965, 12 of 2,300 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Marion (Crittenden County)	In 1965, one of 1,405 Black students was integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.7% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Marked Tree (Poinsett County)	In 1965, 12 of 428 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Marvell (Phillips County)	Marvell Academy, a segregationist private school, was established outside town limits in response. In 1965, 17 of 1,723 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Mayflower (Faulkner County)	In 1965, 52 of 125 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 41.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	McCrory (Woodruff County)	In 1965, zero of 274 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	McGehee (Desha County)	In 1965, nine of 692 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	McNeil (Columbia County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, 0 of 334 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Black students were reported as enrolled in subsequent years 1966–67.
1965	McRae (White County)	In 1965, three of three Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Melbourne (Izard County)	In 1965, one of one Black students was integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Monticello (Drew County)	In 1965, 32 of 530 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 5.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Moro (Lee County)	In 1965, four of 425 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Morrilton (Conway County)	Black students integrated at the junior high and high school levels; the federal government, however, later charged Morrilton with using school consolidation to resegregate schools. In 1965, 166 of 313 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 53% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Mountain Pine (Garland County)	Plan and Grades: Geographic, all by 1965. In 1965, 105 of 105 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Mount Holly (Union County)	In 1965, one of 50 Black students was integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Murfreesboro (Pike County)	In 1965, 50 of 50 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	New Edinburg (Cleveland County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, zero of 130 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Newark (Independence County)	In 1965, four of four Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Newport (Jackson County)	The first Black student transferred to Newport High School, but the dual system continued with W. F. Branch School, the local African American school, continuing operations until closing in 1970. In 1965, 8 of 374 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Norphlet (Union County)	In 1965, zero of 206 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Okolona (Clark County)	In 1965, 11 of 173 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 6.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Osceola (Mississippi County)	In 1965, 6 of 1,328 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Ouachita (Hot Spring County)	In 1965, 17 of 17 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Palestine (St. Francis County)	In 1965, seven of 210 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Paragould (Greene County)	In 1965, two of two Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Paris (Logan County)	In 1965, 12 of 12 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Parkdale (Ashley County)	In 1965, zero of 361 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Parkers Chapel (Union County)	In 1965, zero of 36 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Parkin (Cross County)	In 1965, four of 842 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Patmos (Hempstead County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, zero of 40 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Black students were reported as enrolled in subsequent years 1966–67.
1965	Phillips County	County District. In 1965, 0 of 708 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Plum Bayou (Jefferson County)	In 1965, 16 of 318 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 7.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Plumerville (Conway County)	In 1965, 55 of 177 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 31% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Pocahontas (Randolph County)	In 1965, 16 of 16 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Portland (Ashley County)	In 1965, zero of 483 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Prattsville (Grant County)	In 1965, 14 of 68 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 20.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Prescott (Nevada County)	In 1965, 20 of 586 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Pulaski County	County District. In 1965, 933 of 4,522 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 20.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Rison (Cleveland County)	In 1965, 23 of 266 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 8.7% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Saratoga (Hempstead and Howard Counties)	In 1965, zero of 41 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Searcy (White County)	In 1965, “NA” of 170 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a report of percentages marked this district “NA.”
1965	Selma (Drew County)	In 1965, zero of 135 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Shawnee (Mississippi County)	In 1965, zero of 622 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Sherrill (Jefferson County)	In 1965, 12 of 290 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 4.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Sloan-Hendrix (Lawrence County)	In 1965, 14 of 14 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Smackover (Union County)	In 1965, 17 of 345 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 4.6% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Sparkman (Dallas County)	In 1965, one of 335 Black students was integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Spring Hill (Hempstead County)	In 1965, 19 of 19 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	St. Charles (Arkansas County)	In 1965, 38 of 205 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 25.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Stamps (Lafayette County)	In 1965, 11 of 431 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Star City (Lincoln County)	Black students began attending Star City High School, but Lincoln High School continued operating as a Black school for the next few years. In 1965, 30 of 400 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 7.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Stephens (Ouachita County)	In 1965, six of 389 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Strong (Union County)	In 1965, zero of 675 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Stuttgart (Arkansas County)	In 1965, 12 of 967 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Swifton (Jackson County)	In 1965, six of six Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Taylor (Columbia County)	In 1965, one of 112 Black students was integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.9% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Thornton (Calhoun County)	In 1965, zero of 100 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Trumann (Poinsett County)	In 1965, 43 of 98 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 44% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Tuckerman (Jackson County)	In 1965, zero of 142 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Turrell (Crittenden County)	In 1965, four of 830 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Tyronza (Poinsett County)	In 1965, 14 of 264 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 5.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Union County	County District. In 1965, zero of 68 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Urbana (Union County)	In 1965, zero of 139 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Vanndale (Cross County)	In 1965, four of 162 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Village (Columbia County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, zero of 88 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Black students were reported as enrolled in subsequent years 1966–67.
1965	Wabbaseka (Jefferson County)	In 1965, five of 584 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.7% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Waldo (Columbia County)	In 1965, three of 375 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Walker (Columbia County)	In 1965, zero of 262 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Walnut Ridge (Lawrence County)	In 1965, seven of seven Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Warren (Bradley County)	In 1965, eight of 915 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.8% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Washington (Hempstead County)	Listed as desegregated but zero Black students were enrolled with white students. In 1965, zero of 475 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated. Black students were reported as enrolled in subsequent years 1966–67.
1965	Watson (Desha County)	In 1965, 13 of 240 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 5.4% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Watson Chapel (Jefferson County)	In 1965, four of 1,337 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Weiner (Poinsett County)	In 1965, 33 of 33 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Wells Bayou (Lincoln County)	In 1965, six of 180 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.3% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	West Memphis (Crittenden County)	In 1965, 22 of 3,333 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 1% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Wheatley (St. Francis County)	In 1965, nine of 284 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 3.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	White Hall (Jefferson County)	In 1965, 100 of 100 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Wilmar (Drew County)	In 1965, 50 of 300 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Wilmot (Ashley County)	In 1965, zero of 645 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Wilson (Mississippi County)	In 1965, 11 of 506 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 2.2% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Woodlawn (Cleveland County)	In 1965, six of six Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 100% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1965	Wynne (Cross County)	In 1965, five of 910 Black students were integrated. In 1966, a reported 0.5% of Black students in the district had been integrated.
1966	Crawfordsville (Crittenden County)	Incremental desegregation began, but the district was only completely integrated by 1969 after legal action from the U.S. Department of Justice.
1971	Jacksonville (Pulaski County)	Closure of Black schools in McAlmont (Pulaski County) resulted in students being reassigned to Jacksonville.

For additional information:
Adams, Julianne Lewis, and Tom DeBlack. Civil Obedience: An Oral History of School Desegregation in Fayetteville, Arkansas, 1954–1965. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 1994.

Baxter, Albert. “Status and Characteristics of Displaced Negro Teachers in Arkansas, 1954–1968.” PhD diss., University of Arkansas, 1970.

Bell-Toliver, LaVerne, ed. The First Twenty-Five: An Oral History of the Desegregation of Little Rock’s Public Junior High Schools. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 2018.

Bowden, Bill. “In ’46, White School Enrolled Black Girl.” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, February 3, 2019, pp. 1A, 8A. Online at https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/feb/04/in-46-white-school-enrolled-black-girl-/ (accessed November 18, 2024).

Clausen, Tammie. “A Successful Merger: The Integration of the Tuckerman School District.” The Stream of History 53 (2020): 78–89.

Cope, Graeme. “‘A Mockery for Education’? Little Rock’s Thomas J. Raney High School during the Lost Year, 1958–1959.” Arkansas Historical Quarterly 78 (Autumn 2019): 248–273.

———. “‘Something Would Develop to Prevent It’: North Little Rock and School Desegregation, 1954–1957.” Arkansas Historical Quarterly 74 (Summer 2015): 109–129.

———. “‘We Just Want Them to Go to Their Own Schools’: Opposition to the Integration of Van Buren, 1954–1958.” Arkansas Historical Quarterly 81 (Winter 2022): 368–389.

Johnson III, Ben F. Arkansas in Modern America since 1930. 2nd ed. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 2019.

Kirk, John A. “Not Quite Black and White: School Desegregation in Arkansas, 1954–1966.” Arkansas Historical Quarterly 70 (August 2011): 225–257.

———. Redefining the Color Line: Black Activism in Little Rock, Arkansas, 1940–1970. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2002.

Landers, Misty. “Just Discrimination: Arkansas Parochial Schools and the Defense of Segregation.” MA thesis, University of Arkansas, 2017. Online at https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/2407/ (accessed November 18, 2024).

Office of Desegregation Monitoring Records. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. Central Arkansas Library System, Little Rock, Arkansas. Finding aid online at https://arstudies.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/findingaids/id/10961/ (accessed November 18, 2024).

Patton, Adell Jr. “Surviving the System: Pioneering Principals in a Segregated School, Lincoln High School, Forrest City, Arkansas.” Arkansas Review: A Journal of Delta Studies 42 (April 2011): 3–21.

Price, Polly J. “The Little Rock School Desegregation Cases in Richard Arnold’s Court.” Arkansas Law Review 58.3 (2005): 611–662.

Stewart, Jeffrey. “The Integration of the Pulaski County Special School District, 1954–1965.” Arkansas Historical Quarterly 78 (Summer 2019): 111–139.

———. “Public School Desegregation and Private Schools: A Case Study of Central Arkansas Christian School.” Pulaski County Historical Review 62 (Spring 2014): 2–15.

“The Integration of Hoxie: A Panel Discussion.” Arkansas Review: A Journal of Delta Studies 35 (December 2004): 188–203.

Staff of the CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Last updated:
November 21, 2024

Questions or corrections?