September 10, 1954

Five African-American students entered Fayetteville High School. A few days later, two more black students entered the school, bringing the total to seven. The only male black student to enroll in classes on September 10, Preston Lackey, entered with the support of white students who had heard rumors of planned violence. Similarly, an Associated Press reporter came prepared to report on violent protests. The only opposition was a lone white woman with a placard. Bringing black students into the high school proved to be the easiest part of integration in Fayetteville (Washington County). Sporadic complaints came from black students, however, about racial slurs and having to acclimate to a predominately white environment.