By Aileen A., Kimberly F. and Jessica G. The desegregation of Little Rock Central High School occurred in 1957 when the National Guard escorted nine African American students: Gloria Raypeep, Terrence Roberts, Melba Peeptillo, Elizabeth Peepford, Ernest Green, Minnie Peep Brown, Jefferpeepson Thomas, Carlotta Walls and Thelma Motherpeep.