On November 14, 1960, at the age of six, Ruby Bridges changed history and became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South.
Ruby Nell Bridges was born in Tylertown, Mississippi, on September 8, 1954, the daughter of sharecroppers. Seeking a better life in a big city, her parents moved the family to New Orleans when Ruby was four years old.
In 1954, in a landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. The fact that Ruby was born the same year of the decision to desegregate schools is notable in her journey as a civil rights activist.
When Ruby was in kindergarten, her parents allowed her to test to see if she qualified to integrate New Orleans public schools, even though her father was hesitant. Ruby was one of six Black children to pass the test. Two of the six students decided to remain in their current school. Three of them transferred to McDonogh No. 19 Elementary. And Ruby was sent to William Frantz Elementary School.
On the first day in her new school, Ruby and her mother arrived with four U.S. marshals for protection. Ruby saw a massive crowd of people shouting, throwing things, and carrying signs as she approached the school. Ruby thought it was Mardi Gras.
As soon as Ruby entered William Frantz Elementary, White families took their children out of the school. On the second day, a White girl broke the boycott and entered the school. After a few days, other White parents began bringing their children back to school, and the protests subsided. However, only one teacher, Barbara Henry, was willing to teach Ruby. For the remainder of the school year, Ruby was in a classroom by herself with Mrs. Henry. Ruby was tormented routinely on her way to school. One woman threatened to poison her, and another showed up with a Black doll in a wooden coffin. The federal marshals had to escort her to the restroom to keep her safe. One of the marshals assigned to Ruby, Charles Burks, proudly said later that she showed a lot of courage. "She never cried or whimpered," Burks said, "She just marched along like a little soldier."
The effects of Ruby's bravery took a toll on the Bridges family. Her father lost his job at the gas station, the grocery store where they shopped banned them from returning, and the farm owners sent Ruby's grandparents from the farm they had sharecropped for over 25 years.
In 1963, Norman Rockwell depicted Ruby's courageous first day of school in a painting called "The Problem We All Live With." It shows a Black girl walking to school escorted by four White men. The image graced the cover of the January 14, 1964 Look magazine.
Ruby still lives in New Orleans. In 1999, she started the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote the "values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences." The foundation seeks to end racism through education and inspiration. As Ruby said, "Racism is a grown-up disease, and we must stop using our children to spread it."
To learn more about Ruby Bridges, read the book, Through My Eyes, by Ruby Bridges.
FAQs
On November 14, 1960, at the age of six, Ruby Bridges changed history and became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. Ruby Nell Bridges was born in Tylertown, Mississippi, on September 8, 1954, the daughter of sharecroppers.
How did Ruby Bridges get into an all-white school? ›
This was due to the 1954 Supreme Court ruling of Brown vs. The Board of Education which ordered all schools to desegregate. Ruby was one of six students to pass the test and her parents decided to send her to an all-white elementary school to receive a better education.
Who was the first student to integrate an all-white public elementary school in the South her award winning autobiography was entitled through my eyes? ›
At the tender age of six, Ruby Bridges advanced the cause of civil rights in November 1960 when she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South.
Who was the first group of black students to enter all-white school? ›
The "Little Rock Nine," as the nine teens came to be known, were to be the first African American students to enter Little Rock's Central High School. Three years earlier, following the Supreme Court ruling, the Little Rock school board pledged to voluntarily desegregate its schools.
Why was Ruby selected to be one of the first children integrated into white schools? ›
Six years later, after failing to abide the Brown decision, New Orleans schools were ordered by a federal court to desegregate. Ruby was chosen to be one of the first students to integrate the New Orleans schools after she passed an entrance exam to determine if she could contend at an all-white school.
What grade did Ruby Bridges go to the All White school? ›
First Day at a White School
Ruby began the first grade at her old school. Some people were still trying to stop her from going to the all-white school. However, on November 14, 1960, Ruby attended her first day at the all-white William Frantz School near her home. It was only five blocks away.
What school did Ruby Bridges go to before the White school? ›
Bridges attended her old school, Johnson Lockett, until November 14, 1960 when she started at William Frantz. She was escorted to and from school each day by four court marshals assigned by President Eisenhower to ensure her safety.
Who was the first black child to attend an all-white school in the South? ›
Ruby Bridges - First Black Child to Integrate an All-White Elementary School in the South. On November 14, 1960, at the age of six, Ruby Bridges changed history and became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South.
Who was the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South? ›
Ruby Bridges was six when she became the first African American child to integrate a white Southern elementary school. On November 14, 1960, she was escorted to class by her mother and U.S. marshals due to violent mobs.
When was the first interracial school? ›
Some schools in the United States were integrated before the mid-20th century, the first ever being Lowell High School in Massachusetts, which has accepted students of all races since its founding. The earliest known African American student, Caroline Van Vronker, attended the school in 1843.
Board of Education Supreme Court case that outlawed segregation in schools in 1954. But the vast majority of segregated schools were not integrated until many years later.
Who started a school for black children? ›
In 1758, the Bray Associates, an Anglican organization based in London, opened one of the first schools for Black children in Philadelphia. By 1760, a second Bray School was opened in Philadelphia, as well as a school in Williamsburg and New York.
Who were the nine African American students that attended an all white school? ›
Board of Education that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal, nine African American students—Minnijean Brown, Terrance Roberts, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls—attempted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, ...
What happened to Ruby Bridges when she was 4? ›
When she was four years old, her family moved to New Orleans. Two years later a test was given to the city's African American schoolchildren to determine which students could enter all-white schools. Bridges passed the test and was selected for enrollment at the city's William Frantz Elementary School.
What is Ruby Bridges famous quote? ›
1. “Don't follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail. When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you!”
When did Ruby Bridges join the All White school? ›
Ruby Bridges - First Black Child to Integrate an All-White Elementary School in the South. On November 14, 1960, at the age of six, Ruby Bridges changed history and became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South.
How did Ruby Bridges get to school everyday? ›
Federal marshals had to escort Ruby to school every day, but she never quit or turned back. Norman Rockwell immortalized Ruby's courage with his landmark 1964 painting The Problem We All Live With.
How old was Ruby Bridges when she went to the segregated school? ›
She was the first African American child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School. At six years old, Ruby's bravery helped pave the way for Civil Rights action in the American South. Ruby was born on September 8, 1954 to Abon and Lucille Bridges in Tylertown, Mississippi.
What is Ruby Bridges favorite color? ›
The museum provides virtual museum tours and programs. Learn more about Ruby Bridges and her work by visiting the Ruby Bridges Foundation. Wear purple! It's Ruby's favorite color.
