Ruby Nell Bridges Hall is an American Hero. 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. She was the eldest of five children. When Ruby was 2, the family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in search of better opportunities.
Though the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling passed in 1954, southern states resisted integration. Ruby first attended a segregated kindergarten in 1959. The following year a federal court ordered Louisiana to desegregate. Ruby's school district created entrance exams for African American students. These exams determined whether African American students could compete academically at an all-white school. Ruby and five other students passed the test. Two students decided to stay at their school. The others, including Ruby, were sent to the all-white McDonough Elementary School.
On November 14, Ruby and her mother were escorted into the William Frantz Elementary School by four federal marshalls. This escort continued all year. Despite the racial slurs, screaming crowds, and only having one teacher willing to accept her, Ruby did not miss a day of school.
The community was torn. Some families supported her bravery. Some northerners sent money to aid her family. Others protested. The entire family suffered for their bravery. Abon Bridges lost his job. Grocery stores refused to sell to Lucille. Her grandparents were evicted from the farm where they had sharecropped for a quarter-century.
Eventually, other African American students enrolled. Ruby went on to graduate from a desegregated highschool, became a travel agent, married, and had four sons. Today, Ruby continues to be a civil rights activist. She established The Ruby Bridges Foundation to help promote tolerance and create change through education.
Ruby Bridges is associated with the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preservein New Orleans, Louisiana.
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FAQs
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.
What happened to Ruby Bridges? ›
Ruby graduated from a desegregated high school, became a travel agent, married and had four sons. She was reunited with her first teacher, Henry, in the mid 1990s, and for a time the pair did speaking engagements together.
Who is Ruby Bridges husband? ›
Adult life. As of 2004, Bridges, now Ruby Bridges Hall, still lived in New Orleans with her husband, Malcolm Hall, and their four sons.
Who was the first black girl in the All-White school? ›
The morning of November 14, 1960, a little girl named Ruby Bridges got dressed and left for school. At just six years old, Ruby became the first Black child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans.
What is Ruby Bridges famous quote? ›
Ruby Bridges Quotes
One famous quote by Ruby Bridges was from a speech given at the dedication of her new Ruby Bridges Foundation ceremony. She said, "Racism is a grownup disease. Let's stop using kids to spread it."
What are two fun facts about Ruby Bridges? ›
Interesting Facts About Ruby Bridges
- Ruby enjoyed jumping rope, climbing trees, and playing softball when she was young.
- On November 14, her first day at William Frantz Elementary School, she was the only black student there.
- Barbara Henry was the only teacher who agreed to teach Ruby.
Robert Coles publishes " The Story of Ruby Bridges". She receives an honorary college degree from Connecticut College. 1996 - Ruby writes a book called "Through My Eyes" . 2001 - Ruby receives the Presidential Citizens Medal.
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.
Why did Ruby Bridges get PTSD? ›
Ruby's Struggles
Not only did they shout hateful things at her, but they threatened her as well. One of the horrific things they did was put black doll in a coffin to represent Ruby. Because of her experiences while desegregating Ruby suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Did Ruby Bridges go to school alone? ›
For the next six months the marshals took her to and from her school. Ruby had to spend the entire first school year alone with one teacher, Barbara Henry. People tried to hurt her family.
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.
Is Ruby Bridges still alive yes or no? ›
Answer and Explanation: As of April 2022, Ruby Bridges remains alive. She is 67 years old and works as an author and civil rights activist. She created the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999 and has won multiple awards for her work.
What was Ruby Bridges real name? ›
Ruby Nell Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi. She grew up on the farm her parents and grandparents sharecropped in Mississippi.
What is Ruby Bridges favorite food? ›
For dinner, they ate New Orleans or Southern food like red beans and rice. Sometimes, they had fried catfish or shrimp for dinner. Ruby's favorite desserts were banana pudding and sweet potato pie.
What does the Ruby Bridges Foundation do to help the world? ›
Mission. The Ruby Bridges Foundation Mission Statement We exist to end racism and all forms of bullying through integration and education. Our Vision We will generate tomorrow's leaders by fostering the compassion, confidence and knowledge required to impact a better world for all.
What did Ruby Bridges do to make our country a better place to live? ›
She advanced the cause of civil rights as the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi, the oldest of farmers Lucille and Abon Bridges' five children.
What and how did Ruby Bridges accomplish her goals? ›
Answer and Explanation:
Bridges's goal was to make it through the 1960-61 school year without being intimidated by the many racially motivated threats and pushback she received when she registered to attend the William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. She did so through perseverance.
What work did Ruby Bridges do? ›
Ruby Bridges worked as a travel agent before becoming a stay-at-home mother. In 1993 she began working as parent liaison at the grade school she had attended, and in 1999 she formed the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and unity.
