Ruby Bridges is a name that stands for bravery and strength. When she was just a little girl, she became an important part of the civil rights movement, showing everyone how courageous and determined she was. Let’s learn about her amazing journey and how she still inspires people today.
Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in a place called Tylertown, Mississippi. When Ruby was four years old, her family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. In those days, people were often separated by their skin color, which is called segregation. This meant that schools, restaurants, and other places treated people differently based on their race.
In 1954, something very important happened. The U.S. Supreme Court decided that having separate schools for different races was not fair. This decision was called Brown v. Board of Education. It was a big step toward making sure all children could go to good schools, no matter their race. But even after this decision, it took a long time for things to change, and many kids like Ruby still faced segregation.
In 1960, Ruby Bridges did something very brave. She passed a test that allowed her to attend an all-white school called William Frantz Elementary. On November 14, 1960, Ruby walked into the school with U.S. Marshals protecting her because some people were not happy about the change. Even though she was just six years old, Ruby showed incredible courage by going to school every day.
At her new school, Ruby was the only student in her class. Her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry, taught only her, which helped Ruby learn a lot. Ruby and Mrs. Henry became good friends, and they later talked about how important Ruby’s actions were for the civil rights movement.
Ruby Bridges didn’t stop after her brave school days. She started the Ruby Bridges Foundation to help teach people about getting along and making positive changes through education. Ruby still talks about the importance of giving all children the same chances to learn and grow.
Ruby Bridges’ story is about being strong, brave, and always fighting for what is right. Her actions as a young girl changed her life and helped make the world a better place for future generations. Today, she continues to inspire people to stand up for equality and justice. Ruby Bridges shows us that one person can make a big difference in the world.
Role Play Activity: Gather a group of friends or family members and act out a scene from Ruby Bridges’ story. You can pretend to be Ruby, her teacher Mrs. Henry, or the U.S. Marshals. Think about how Ruby might have felt on her first day at the new school. After the role play, discuss with your group how it felt to be in Ruby’s shoes and why her actions were important.
Draw and Reflect: Create a drawing that shows what courage looks like to you. It could be a picture of Ruby walking to school, or something else that represents bravery. Once you finish your drawing, write a few sentences about why you think Ruby Bridges was brave and how you can show courage in your own life.
Community Observation: Take a walk around your neighborhood or school and observe how people of different backgrounds interact with each other. Think about how Ruby Bridges’ actions helped make it possible for everyone to learn and play together. Write down your observations and share them with your class or family, discussing how diversity makes your community stronger.
