SEPTEMBER 10, 1963 -- President John F. Kennedy federalized the 17,000 member Alabama National Guard to allow black students to attend nine previously all-white schools in Birmingham and across the state.

"Governor Wallace has refused to respect either the law or the authority of local officials. For his own personal and political reasons -- so that he may later charge Federal interference -- he is desperately anxious to have the Federal Government intervene in a situation in which we have no desire to intervene," Kennedy stated.

Wallace, trying to avoid being served with a restraining order forcing integration of Mobile schools, fled the state capitol, flanked by state troopers, shortly after 1:30 that morning.

"Mr. Kennedy, consumed by his doubtful re-election, has taken complete control. The Kennedy forces are laying the predicate for the jailing of the governor of Alabama," Wallace said in a statement to the press.

At West End High School, nine people were arrested -- two after a battle with police -- as demonstrators gathered and 1,000 students refused to enter. After fighting back demonstrators, Birmingham Police Capt. Glenn Evans told the students, "Classes are in session. We want you to enter the building or leave the grounds."

No problems were reported at Graymont or Ramsay schools, although attendance was low.

Senior Horace Blackstock was among those who walked out of Ramsay High.

"We talked about demonstrating but we figured someone might get hurt and cause trouble," Blackstock told The News. "I don't want to go to a school with a Negro."