Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges was born in Tylertown, Mississippi, on September 8, 1954. At the age of four, Ruby moved with her family to New Orleans, Louisiana. They relocated because New Orleans had more job opportunities. As a kindergartener, Ruby and several other African American where selected to take a test so they could attend a white school. The test was designed to be difficult so that black students could not pass it, however, Ruby managed to score high enough. Ruby’s father was skeptical about Ruby attending an all-white school. He knew it would draw a lot of attention to Ruby and he wanted to protect her. Ruby’s mother, on the other hand, insisted that she go to the all- white school. This was an opportunity that Ruby earned. This was a chance for Ruby to have a quality education.

Ruby was one of six black children to pass the exam. She was given an opportunity to attend William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. She was the first African American to integrate a segregated school in the South. November 14, 1960 was Ruby’s first day at William Frantz. Ruby and her mother had to be escorted into the school by U.S. marshals to protect Ruby from the protestors. There was so much commotion going on outside of the school, and Ruby though that there was a Mardi Gras parade going on.

Ruby and her mother waited in the school office for an entire day to meet her teacher, however, her teacher didn’t arrive until the second day of school. Her teacher was Mrs. Henry, and she was the only teacher willing to teach a black student. White parents took their kids out of school because a black girl was attending. Ruby was the only student in her classroom, and for a while, she was the only student in her school. This made Ruby sad because she wanted friends at her school.

As a result of Ruby attending William Frantz, Ruby’s father lost his job. His employer told him that Ruby was bringing unnecessary attention to his business. Many people around town frowned upon their entire family because Ruby was attending an all- white school.

By the end of Ruby’s first year at William Frantz, things had changed. White students were returning to school and she had a few opportunities to interact with them. Ruby’s second year at the school was totally different. Her teacher Mrs. Henry no longer worked at the school, there were no more U.S. marshals escorting Ruby to school, and Ruby had classmates. Ruby finished her years at William Frantz, and she graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School. Today, Ruby gives speeches and she travels to different schools to share her story.

#Brenee