Short Answer 
The Little Rock Nine incident in 1957 involved nine African American students attempting to integrate Central High School, met with resistance from Governor Faubus, who deployed the National Guard. President Eisenhower intervened by federalizing the National Guard and sending troops to protect the students, emphasizing the federal government’s role in civil rights. Jackie Robinson criticized Eisenhower’s call for patience, arguing that immediate action was necessary to combat segregation effectively.
Understanding the Little Rock Nine Incident
In 1957, the Little Rock Nine incident took place when nine African American students tried to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, following a ruling for desegregation. Their attempt was met with fierce opposition from Arkansas’s Governor Orval Faubus, who deployed the Arkansas National Guard to block their entry. This significant moment in history highlighted the struggle against segregation in public education and African American civil rights.
Federal Intervention by President Eisenhower
As tensions rose between state and federal authorities during the Little Rock Nine incident, President Eisenhower stepped in to uphold the rule of law. He federalized the National Guard to remove Faubus’s troops and sent the 101st Airborne Division to escort the nine students safely into Central High School. This decisive action showcased the federal government’s role in enforcing desegregation and protecting the rights of African Americans during a time of widespread resistance.
Critique of Eisenhower’s Stance
In his letter to Eisenhower, Jackie Robinson expressed his disappointment with the president’s call for forbearance, or patience, in dealing with segregation issues. He believed this approach inadvertently supported segregationist leaders like Faubus, who aimed to deny African Americans their hard-won rights. Robinson’s critique emphasized the need for strong and immediate action in the fight for civil rights rather than a passive or conciliatory approach.