United Women in Faith to Welcome Member of Little Rock Nine Elizabeth Eckford at Assembly 2026

For Immediate Release

Contact: dfrancisco@uwfaith.org

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith today announced that civil rights activist and member of the Little Rock Nine Mrs. Elizabeth Eckford will be a Keynote Speaker at the organization’s Legacy Banquet at Assembly 2026.

“Assembly is where women of faith come to be inspired, equipped, and energized to lead change in their communities and the world,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Elizabeth Eckford—a trailblazing woman whose story embodies the heart of our theme.”

As a member of the Little Rock Nine, Eckford will speak about her experience on that first day and throughout her time at Central High School. She will address racial equity and share her legacy with those in attendance at the Legacy Banquet.

“With the eradication of the past, we cannot heal the wounds of the past and move on to a better future,” said Eckford. “We can’t have true racial reconciliation until we honestly look at our shared painful past.”

If you are a reporter looking to attend or learn about Assembly, please don’t hesitate to reach out via dfrancisco@uwfaith.org. Limited media passes are available.

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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation.