Final answer:
In 1957, the Little Rock 9 were a group of African American students who faced opposition but ultimately integrated into Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, illustrating the challenges of enforcing the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The case of Brown v. Board of Education legally mandated the integration of schools in 1954, declaring separate but equal unconstitutional. However, actual implementation was met with resistance. In 1957, in Little Rock, Arkansas, integration took a significant step forward when Little Rock 9 bravely faced intense opposition in their efforts to attend Central High School. President Eisenhower had to intervene by sending federal troops to ensure these students could safely enter the school. This event was pivotal, demonstrating a real-world application of the ruling and highlighting the continued struggle against racial segregation.