08/26/2026
LAE President D’Shay Oaks and LAE Executive Director Jeff Sherels had the opportunity to represent the Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE) at the NCSEA Southeast Regional Convening, held August 24–25, 2026, at the Arkansas Education Association in Little Rock, Arkansas.
As part of this powerful learning experience, they visited Little Rock Central High School alongside NEA President-Elect Princess Moss. The visit was especially meaningful because they had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Ann Eckford, an American civil rights activist and one of the Little Rock Nine.
In 1957, the Little Rock Nine became the first African American students to attend Little Rock Central High School, which had previously been an all-white school. Their courageous efforts to integrate the school followed the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education.
Ms. Eckford’s experience on September 4, 1957, became one of the most iconic images of the Civil Rights Movement. Photographs captured her as she attempted to enter Central High School and was prevented from doing so by the Arkansas National Guard.
Standing in that historic place and meeting Ms. Eckford was a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and persistence that paved the way for educational equity and justice.
LAE is proud to continue that legacy by advocating for ALL educators, ALL students, and ALL communities and by working to advance racial and social justice in public education.
