Ruby Bridges is a name that has gone down in history books as a symbol of bravery, perseverance, and dignity. She is famous for being the little girl who broke the color barrier in American schools during the 1960s. In this article, we delve into the fascinating facts about Ruby Bridges: the little girl who changed history.
1. Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she became the first African-American child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. In 1960, a federal judge ordered that four African-American girls be enrolled in white schools in the area. Ruby was one of them. She had to face protests from white students and parents every day, who shouted and threw things at her as she walked into school. However, Ruby refused to be intimidated and kept on attending school, day after day.
2. Ruby was escorted by U.S. Marshals to school every day for her safety. The federal government took Ruby’s safety very seriously and provided her with round-the-clock protection. She was escorted by four U.S. Marshals to and from school every day. In addition, they had to check the school premises thoroughly before Ruby could enter, to make sure there was no threat to her safety.
3. Ruby’s teacher, Barbara Henry, was the only teacher willing to teach Ruby. All the other teachers refused to teach Ruby, either out of fear or because they did not agree with her attendance at the school. Barbara Henry was a recent graduate who had just moved to New Orleans and was eager to teach. She did an excellent job of educating Ruby and making her feel at ease in the hostile environment.
4. Ruby’s parents lost their jobs because of her attendance at the school. Ruby’s bravery came at a price. Her parents were poor and worked in the fields as sharecroppers. When the local community found out about Ruby’s attendance at the school, they boycotted their produce, and Ruby’s parents lost their jobs. They had to live on meager savings and endured many hardships.
5. Ruby Bridges’ story inspired the famous painting, “The Problem We All Live With,” by Norman Rockwell. The painting depicts Ruby being escorted to school by U.S. Marshals, with the word “Nigger” scrawled on the wall behind her. Rockwell was hailed for his boldness in addressing social issues in his paintings. The painting went on to inspire the Civil Rights movement, and activists used it to highlight the issue of racism in America.
In conclusion, Ruby Bridges’ story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and fortitude. She overcame numerous obstacles, including racism, hatred, physical threats, and loss of livelihood, to become a symbol of hope and inspiration to millions. Her story is a vivid reminder that even the smallest act of courage and determination can change the course of history.
