5 Fascinating Facts About Ruby Bridges You Might Not Know

Ruby Bridges made history in 1960 when she was just six years old. She became the first African American child to integrate into an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Her bravery paved the way for many other children to access an education free of segregation. While her name may be familiar to many, there are plenty of fascinating facts about Ruby Bridges that often go unnoticed. In this article, we’ll explore five of those facts.

Fact 1: Ruby Bridges Was the Only Child in Her Class

When Ruby Bridges was escorted into William Frantz Elementary School, she was the only student in her class. Other white parents had transferred their children out of the school in protest of the integration. This meant that Ruby had the classroom to herself with Barbara Henry, her teacher, for the first year.

As a result, Ruby had to grow up quickly and become self-reliant. She had to learn how to keep herself entertained during recesses and remain focused during her studies.

Fact 2: She Faced Intense Racial Hostility

Ruby Bridges faced hostility from the moment she walked into William Frantz Elementary School. Protesters, including some of the parents of her fellow students, would hurl slurs at her and even threatened her life. She often had to be escorted to school by federal marshals, who protected her from the angry crowds.

Despite the hostility, Ruby remained brave. In an interview years later, she said, “I felt I was only doing what I was supposed to do.”

Fact 3: Ruby’s Mother Worked at Night to Avoid Retaliation

To avoid retaliation from those who opposed Ruby’s integration, her mother, Lucille, worked as a night cleaner in a bank. She chose this job specifically because it gave her a secure route to and from work that avoided the protesters.

While Lucille worked to support her family, Ruby attended school during the day, making history and paving the way for other Black children to attend integrated schools.

Fact 4: Ruby Bridges Inspired Norman Rockwell’s ‘The Problem We All Live With’

Norman Rockwell, a renowned painter and illustrator, was inspired by Ruby Bridges’ courage and decided to commemorate her by producing a painting that depicted her brave walk to school amid angry protesters. The painting, ‘The Problem We All Live With,’ shows Ruby being escorted to school by federal marshals and is now on display at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Fact 5: Ruby Bridges’ Legacy Continues Today

Ruby Bridges’ bravery and determination paved the way for many other African American children to attend integrated schools. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for equality and justice.

In 2015, Ruby Bridges received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor awarded in the United States. This recognition is a testament to her remarkable bravery and inspirational impact.

Conclusion:

Ruby Bridges’ unwavering courage and her historical accomplishment have earned her a place in the annals of Civil Rights history. As we reflect on her life and her fight for equality, we can all learn an important lesson. No matter how young or small we may seem, we all have the power to make a positive impact on the world.

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