Ruby Bridges’ Courage: 65 Years of Breaking Barriers in Education

NEW ORLEANS, La. — On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges, then just six years old, made history as the first Black child to integrate into an all-White elementary school in the southern United States. Accompanied by her mother, Lucille, and protected by federal marshals, Ruby faced a hostile crowd as she arrived at the William Frantz Elementary School.

The arrival was chaotic—the angry mob threw objects and shouted slurs at the young girl. Despite the tension, Ruby later recalled having no understanding of the gravity of the moment, remembering only, “You’re going to a new school today and you better behave.”

Ruby’s brave act of integration had a profound impact that rippled across the nation. In her words, “In my tiny mind, I thought this was just something that happened on my street and in my community.”

Born on September 8, 1954, Ruby was raised in Tylertown, Mississippi. Her parents, Abon and Lucille, moved their family to New Orleans in pursuit of better opportunities, especially in education. “I wanted it better for my kids than it was for us,” Lucille said. Their desire for an education was ignited by the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

In Louisiana, however, many schools resisted compliance. In 1960, federal Judge James Skelly Wright mandated that state schools begin integrating. School officials devised an exam to limit Black student enrollment, but Ruby excelled, becoming one of only five Black children to gain admission to William Frantz.

Despite safety concerns, Ruby’s mother insisted she attend the school. On her first day, Ruby was met with hostility; federal marshals escorted her through the crowd of protesters. While most White students stayed home, Ruby was largely taught alone by a single teacher, Barbara Henry, for her first year.

Ruby endured a tough first year, facing threats and intimidation while continuing her education. By the second grade, some peers returned, and a gradual trend towards integration began at William Frantz. Ruby would attend the school through sixth grade, witnessing steadily increasing enrollment of Black students.

After leaving William Frantz, Ruby graduated from an integrated high school in New Orleans and later worked as a travel agent at American Express for 15 years. In 1984, she married Malcolm Hall, with whom she shares four sons.

Ruby’s activism took on a new dimension following a family tragedy in 1993 when her brother was murdered. Returning to New Orleans to support his children, Ruby created the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999 to promote racial tolerance through education.

Ruby has also authored four books documenting her experiences, including her memoir, Through Her Eyes, and has spoken extensively about her mission to combat racism. “Racism is a grown-up disease,” she said. “Let’s stop using our kids to spread it.”

The legacy of Ruby Bridges endures through art, media, and her story, which continues to inspire future generations. In 1964, renowned artist Norman Rockwell painted Ruby’s courageous entrance to school in the iconic piece, “The Problem We All Live With,” which has been displayed in the White House. Ruby’s journey has also been captured in the 1998 Disney film titled Ruby Bridges.

Today, Ruby’s commitment to education and advocacy exemplifies the impact of her childhood actions, reminding all that small steps can lead to significant change.