By Nadia Jeffries
Ruby was the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. On November 14, 1960, the six year old was escorted to school by her mother and U.S. marshals because of violent mobs.
Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954. She grew up on a farm in Mississippi and moved to New Orleans when she was four. At first, Ruby attended school several miles away at an all-black segregated school. The all-white school was only 5 blocks away from her home. Ruby participated in a test that would determine if she could go to the all-white school. Out of six students, Ruby was one of them to pass the test.
The first day for Ruby was hard. People were throwing objects, cursing and threatening her. Parents took their children from Ruby’s class, and some even moved their kids to different schools. Ruby continued her education with Mrs. Henry, the only teacher willing to teach her. Ruby became stressed because she was isolated from everything outside of class. Overall, Ruby remained strong, following her mother’s teachings to pray through difficult situations. Over time, things went back to normal at the school, and Ruby was able to finish grade school.
I remembered this book from elementary school, which inspired me to write about it and Mrs. Ruby Bridges. Her actions, bravery, and courage will forever be known!