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Ruby Bridges: A Brave First Grader
Ruby Bridges: A Brave First Grader
Making History:
Ruby Bridges was the first African American child to go to an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her actions helped to make schools fair for everyone. Later, she became someone who fought for the rights of African Americans.
Early Life
Ruby was born on September 8, 1954 in Tylertown, Mississippi. Her family didn't have a lot of money. Her parents were religious and taught her to have faith. When Ruby was four, her family moved to New Orleans, hoping for better schools.
Changing the Rules
In 1954, the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the United States, made a rule: schools could no longer be separated by race. Black and white kids had to go to the same schools.
In 1960, when Ruby was six years old, she took a test. She did so well that she was chosen to go to William Frantz Elementary School, an all-white school. She was the only African American child to pass the test. The school was close to her house, but her old school was far away.
A Difficult First Day
On her first day, a large crowd of angry white people gathered outside the school. They shouted mean things and even threw objects at her. Four U.S. Marshals, who are like special police officers, walked with her to protect her.
Ruby was very brave. She walked into the school, even though she was scared. For the entire school year, she was the only student in her class. Most of the white parents kept their children home because they didn't want them going to school with her.
A kind white teacher from Boston taught Ruby. She helped Ruby through the tough times. They ate lunch together and played games. Ruby wasn't allowed to go outside for recess because it wasn't safe.
For much of the year, people protested outside the school, using hateful words and signs. The next year, the school was integrated, and the protests stopped.
Ruby continued her education in integrated schools in New Orleans. She went to high school and then business school.
A Civil Rights Activist
Ruby became an activist, which means she worked to make things better for African Americans. She wrote and spoke about her experiences. In 1994, she started a foundation to teach people about respecting everyone, no matter their race. She also wrote a book called Through My Eyes.
About the author: Jane Hills is a former journalist, author, and tireless worker for human rights. Check out her podcast "Fight Like a Girl" wherever you get your podcasts.
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