LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - The fight for American civil rights and equality for all spanned decades in cities like Alabama, Georgia and Arkansas.
On Jan. 15, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a new civil rights trail integral in the movement.
"We are appreciating this heritage and understanding the role that we played in it,” said Rebecca Tennille, a spokesperson for the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
People everywhere now have an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of African-American activists who helped change the course of a nation.
“Visitors can choose to hop on and hop off the trail, if they're really into history they can choose to do the entire trail,” Gretchen Hall added, President and CEO of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Arkansas has seven attractions along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and is considered one of the "Top 10" sites.
“There's more than 100 sites featured across 46 cities, 14 states and the District of Columbia,” Hall said.
The trail highlights surviving locations used in the 1950's and 1960's to advance social injustice.
“It was a cooperative effort among our state tourism partners in the south and several cities in the south that have major civil rights landmarks. And here in Little Rock, it doesn't get any larger than Central High School,” said Hall.
Daisy Bates House, Central High School, and the Little Rock Nine Memorial are just a few stops in Little Rock.
“Those nine children, at the time, literally changed the world and that's pretty impactful,” said Tennille.
The Clinton Center, another site, has a permanent exhibit about the Little Rock Nine - nine African-American students who integrated Central High in 1957.
“This is a fantastic fit for us here at the Clinton Center. President Clinton has a long-standing relationship with the Little Rock Nine,” she added.
The Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail, located in front of the Old State House downtown, is included as well as Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.
"I'm pleased that Arkansas is joining other states like Alabama and Mississippi, and truly examining the trials and tribulations while celebrating heroes of this movement that is still going on today,” said Tennille.
The Clinton Center's most recent exhibit is the Anne Frank Tree, a celebration of human rights.
You can view the interactive site previewing sites throughout the country by visiting civilrightstrail.com.