Born: 1954 (Tylertown, Mississippi)
Biography:
Ruby Nell Bridges Hall, an American civil rights activist, was born on September 8, 1954. She holds a significant place in history as the first African American child to attend William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on November 14, 1960. Ruby’s remarkable story of resilience and bravery in the face of adversity has become a symbol of strength and determination in the fight for equal rights.
Ruby was born in Tylertown, Mississippi, as the eldest of five children to Abon and Lucille Bridges. As a child, she took on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings while also enjoying typical childhood activities such as playing jump rope, softball, and climbing trees. When she was four years old, her family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana.
In 1960, Ruby’s parents responded to a request from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and volunteered her to participate in the integration of the New Orleans school system, despite her father’s initial hesitation. At the tender age of six, Ruby became a symbol of hope and change during a critical time in the Civil Rights Movement.
Ruby’s entry into William Frantz Elementary School was met with intense opposition and hostility. The school had previously been exclusively for white students, and the local community expressed strong resistance to integration. Despite facing threats, protests, and even violence, Ruby remained resilient and determined to receive an education.
During her first day at William Frantz Elementary School, Ruby was escorted by four federal marshals as she walked through a mob of angry white protestors. This iconic image was captured by Norman Rockwell in his 1964 painting, The Problem We All Live With. Despite the overwhelming adversity, Ruby continued to attend school, escorted by federal marshals for the entire school year.
Ruby’s actions had a profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement. Her courage served as an inspiration to others fighting for equal education and paved the way for further desegregation efforts across the United States. Her story highlighted the glaring injustices of racial segregation and brought attention to the urgent need for change.
After the completion of her first year at William Frantz Elementary School, Ruby and her family faced continued discrimination and hostility. They decided to move to Boston, Massachusetts, in search of better opportunities and a more inclusive environment. Ruby later pursued a career in travel and tourism, advocating for diversity and equality.
Ruby Bridges is a living testament to the power of resilience and activism. Her unwavering determination to receive an equal education made a lasting impact, not only on her own life but on the lives of countless others. Ruby’s story continues to inspire individuals to stand up against injustice and fight for equality.
Awards:
– Presidential Citizens Medal (2001)
– Wall of Tolerance, inducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center (2005)
– NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for Children (2011)
– Ford Hall of Fame Scholar by the Henry Ford Museum (2014)
– Honorary doctorate from Tulane University (Year unknown)