Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and Partners to Host Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Isabel Wilkerson

News Release Date:
August 30, 2024

Contact:Brian Schwieger, 501-396-3006

Contact:Ryan Harris, 314-479-3001

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and its partners are proud to announce a special event featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times bestselling author Isabel Wilkerson as part of the 67th-anniversary commemoration of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (501 East Ninth Street, Little Rock, AR). Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are free but require advance registration due to limited seating. This program is presented in partnership with the City of Little Rock, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the Central Arkansas Library System.

This event, a centerpiece of the 67th anniversary activities, will feature a conversation between Isabel Wilkerson and Robin White, superintendent of Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. Members of the Little Rock Nine will also be in attendance to honor this historic occasion.

Wilkerson, known for her bestselling books The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, is one of the most influential narrative nonfiction writers of our time. Her works have been celebrated for their profound storytelling and deep exploration of the complexities of social hierarchies and human migration in the United States. Her conversation with Superintendent White promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking contribution to the 67th anniversary events, which honor the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Seating for the event is general admission and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. Due to security protocols, all bags will be searched on entry and no liquids or cameras will be allowed in the theater.

Tickets for the event are available through the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts' website at An Evening with Isabel Wilkerson | Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (arkmfa.org). For questions about ticketing, contact the museum's guest services at 501-372-4000. Early registration is strongly encouraged as seats are expected to fill quickly.

"We can choose to overlook our controversial history, with all its hidden secrets and entrenched hierarchies. However, Ms. Wilkerson has masterfully presented a narrative that invites us to confront this history for our growth and evolution. Together, we can seek liberation, intentionally living beyond the confines of conflict and controversy," said Robin White, superintendent of Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. "A lesson passed down from previous generations is that a true warrior walks peacefully through chaos and navigates disturbing times with grace and spiritual consciousness, even on unforgivable days."

"AMFA's mission is to create an inclusive space that inspires and builds community, and we are proud to co-host Isabel Wilkerson for this powerful discussion commemorating the 67th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High," said Dr. Victoria Ramirez, Executive Director at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. "Jefferson National Parks Association is honored to support the educational mission of Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site," said David A. Grove, president & CEO of Jefferson National Parks Association. "By providing opportunities for public dialogue concerning the historical events that occurred in Little Rock and offering an opportunity to view these moments through a contemporary lens, we hope that all people will be inspired to work for a more just and equitable society."

"On behalf of the Little Rock School District, I want to thank Isabel Wilkerson for joining us during the 67th commemoration of the Little Rock Nine integrating Central High School. As an award-winning author, Ms. Wilkerson's impactful work sheds light on our complex history and the importance of equity in education. She will undoubtedly inspire our students, staff, and community, and we look forward to her visit," said Dr. Jermall Wright, superintendent of the Little Rock School District.

"The Central High School family welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson on the occasion of the commemoration of the 67th anniversary of 1957. Known for championing the stories of unsung heroes, she speaks to and inspires countless individuals through her powerful voice, and we are honored to have her share her insights with our community," said Nancy Rousseau, principal of Little Rock Central High School.

"We're honored and eager to partner with the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site for this exciting event," said Nate Coulter, Executive Director of CALS. "Isabel Wilkerson's celebrated works have illuminated critical aspects of the shared American experience. It's a privilege to welcome her to Little Rock as we commemorate the 67th anniversary of Central High's desegregation. Her appearance fits perfectly with the focus of our upcoming Six Bridges Book Festival where we celebrate powerful voices and their inspiring stories."

About Isabel Wilkerson: Isabel Wilkerson is a trailblazing journalist and author, whose work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. She is best known for her books The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, both of which have garnered widespread acclaim and have been recognized as significant contributions to understanding America's social history. For more information on Isabel Wilkerson, please visit www.prhspeakers.com

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site protects, preserves, and interprets the events surrounding the desegregation of Central High School in 1957, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The site serves as a reminder of the courage of the Little Rock Nine and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States. Through educational programs, tours, and community events, the site continues to inspire future generations to reflect on the importance of civil rights and the power of peaceful protest.

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