In 1960, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges made history as the first African-American student to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. Her courageous attendance at William Frantz Elementary School came six years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling declared segregated schools unconstitutional.
Chosen to Integrate William Frantz
In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. However, many schools in the South resisted integration.
Five years later, Bridges was one of six Black students in New Orleans to pass a test determining their eligibility to attend all-white schools. At just 6 years old, she was selected to integrate William Frantz Elementary, located near her home.
Despite her father’s concerns for her safety, her mother supported Ruby attending for the education opportunities she herself had been denied due to segregation.
Facing Angry Mobs During First Days
On November 14, 1960, Bridges’ first day at William Frantz was met with hostile, racist crowds. She walked to school flanked by four federal marshals, while white protesters surrounded the school yelling slurs.
Many white parents pulled their children from school, so Bridges was the only student in her class. Only one teacher, Barbara Henry, volunteered to teach Bridges. They spent the entire year isolated in a classroom, with Bridges enduring threats from protestors.
Henry’s dedication created a safe space for Bridges, and they had a good year despite the hostile climate outside. Her determination inspired other Black students to eventually enroll.
Continuing Civil Rights Work
Ruby Bridges Hall still lives in New Orleans today with her family. She founded The Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999, which promotes tolerance, change, and equality.
As a civil rights activist, Bridges continues to share her story and advocate against racism, saying it has no place in children’s minds and hearts. She published a children’s book in 2022 recounting her history-making first day of school.
Over six decades since that day, Bridges remains a symbol of courage in pursuing equality, and an inspiration for carrying on the fight against racism. Her small but mighty steps left an indelible mark in the nation’s journey toward just schools.
