Ruby Bridges New Orleans, 1960

Who is Ruby Bridges? Ruby Bridges is a famous woman in our history. She was the first African American girl to integrate her local New Orleans school. She faced challenges, people threatened her, and her childhood was hard. Fortunately, she believed in herself and didn’t give up. Thanks to her efforts, the lives of many have been changed forever. In this presentation, you will learn all about someone who made a big difference in our history! Ruby lived in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Louisiana is circled on the map).

A Big Decision... Ruby’s parents were shocked to hear that their daughter had taken a test at her All Black school, and passed. This had proven that she had sufficient enough knowledge to integrate a Local All White Elementary School. Her parents were scared, and did not know what to do. But they new that if Ruby were to do this, it would make a difference in all children's lives. So, their decision was yes. Ruby Bridges was going to go to an All White School. Ruby walked to school and did not get to see her friends.

School For Ruby Being that Ruby was a young girl, she did not realize that people hated her because of her skin color, and she did not think much of whether kids were white or black. She didn’t really notice. Until now. Ruby had to escorted by the national guard into the school building. People made horrible threats, and Ruby was scared. No parents were sending their children to school, so Ruby had no playmates. Just an empty classroom, and her teacher, Miss Henry. Days at school were lonely and hard, and Ruby and her family suffered a lot. But they made it, and made a big difference! Ruby forgives the people who are being mean to her, and says a prayer for them.

Ruby Now: Today, the Ruby Bridges Educational Foundation helps to ensure an exceptional education for many more children. Ruby created this Foundation with hope that what she had done will benefit many more people. Ruby Bridges has written a couple of interesting books about herself to tell what life at that time was like for her. Others have also written books about her to share with others. If Ruby’s family had not sent Ruby to the school, we may not have been able to have met some of the friends we have now. Ruby Bridges has obviously made a huge difference in all of our lives. Ruby Bridges travels and talks to people in the US, and has written many books about herself. People also have written their own books about her.

Information about this Presentation: Author: Justin Roth Date of Publication: Saturday, May 8 th, am Made For: Educational Viewing Title: Ruby Bridges Subject: Ruby Bridges, Integrate School Photo Credits: (Search Topic: Images-Ruby Bridges) Photo Topic: Bridges, Ruby Presentation Code: J5/8/04RUBYB Running Time: 2:0427 (2:04) Ruby Bridges Foundation Website: