A Story of Persistence: Ruby Bridges

written by Rachel W.

Ruby Bridges, born September 8, 1954, was the first African-American child to integrate a public elementary school in the South. At age 63, she runs a foundation to promote respect and tolerance of differences in communities.

“I now know that experience comes to us for a purpose, and if we follow the guidance of the spirit within us, we will probably find that the purpose is a good one.”

Bridges’ family moved to New Orleans when she was four years old in order to find better jobs in the city. Instead of attending the public school closest to her house, she traveled miles to go to the closest all-black school. However, when she was in kindergarten, she was chosen to take a test determining whether or not she would be allowed to go to the all-white school close to her house. While her parents initially disagreed over whether or not Ruby should take the test, she eventually did and ended up passing! She was one of six African-American students to pass, and she would be the only African-American student to attend the William Frantz School.

While school officially started in September, the Louisiana government held off integration of schools until November. As schools began integrating, the federal district court judge asked the US government to send protection for the kids; on November 14, 1960, Ruby walked into her new school for the first time surrounded by federal marshals. Crowds gathered, yelling obscenities and throwing things, but six-year-old Bridges thought they were celebrating (similar to Mardi Gras). She spent the entire day in the principal’s office after being escorted there, as most parents pulled their kids from school for the day and classes could not go on.

“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.”

Bridges spent her time at school in a classroom with the only teacher who agreed to teach her – Mrs. Barbara Henry. She was confined to the room for the whole day and had to be escorted to the bathroom by the federal marshals that continued to walk her to and from school. Her situation slowly improved as other parents at Frantz School began sending their children back and it seemed the community wanted to put the past behind them.

Of course, the experience had profound effects on the Bridges family. Her father lost his job at a nearby gas station, and the family was banned from the neighborhood grocery store. Ruby experienced nightmares and felt isolated because she was not allowed to see other children her age. However, once the rest of the community began to accept the Bridges family, offering to protect their house and babysit for them, things got better.

Bridges went on to finish grade school and high school and eventually took travel and tourism classes in Kansas City. At age 30, she married Malcolm Hall, and the couple has four sons.

Then, in 1993, Ruby’s youngest brother Malcolm was killed. She was inspired by this to establish the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which helps children achieve their dreams and helps spread cultural understanding through different communities. In fact, Bridges went back to her old elementary school to volunteer and serve as a connection between the school and the community.

Ruby Bridges is an inspirational woman, and her message has helped communities across the country. Even as a little girl, she showed extreme courage in the face of adversity and continues to advocate for appreciation of differences today.

“Racism is a grown-up disease, and we must stop using our children to spread it.”