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President Clinton to attend 60th anniversary of Little Rock Central's desegregation

Former President Bill Clinton is returning to his home state of Arkansas to speak at an event marking the 60th anniversary of Little Rock Central High School's desegregation.
US President Bill Clinton (2nd R) applauds as he sits with the first black students who attended Little Rock Central High (L-R) Ernie Green, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls Lanier, and the present Central High Student Body President Fatima McKinra during the ceremonies at the 40th anniversary of the desegregation of Central High School 25 September in Little Rock, AR. Also attending the ceremonies were the other five black students who entered the school while being escorted by Federal troops in 1957. AFP PHOTO/Joyce NALTCHAYAN (Photo credit should read JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP/Getty Images)

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Former President Bill Clinton is returning to his home state of Arkansas to speak at an event marking the 60th anniversary of Little Rock Central High School's desegregation.

Organizers announced Wednesday that the 42nd president will deliver the keynote address at the Sept. 25 ceremony. The event will take place in the Roosevelt Thompson Auditorium at the school.

As Arkansas governor, Clinton hosted the nine black students at the Governor's Mansion in 1987 where they all gathered in Little Rock for the first time since the 1957-1958 school year.

He was a keynote speaker at the 40th and 50th anniversary commemorations of the school's desegregation. He also signed legislation as president designating Central High as a National Historic Site and presented the Little Rock Nine with the Congressional Gold Medal.

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