Ruby Bridges, born in 1954, was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for her courage and resilience as the first Black American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in the South. In 1960, at the age of six, Bridges became the center of national attention when she integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Though the Brown V. Board of Education Supreme Court Case had put an end to legal segregation, many schools and yet to be integrated. Despite facing daily harassment, threats, and protests from white segregationists, Bridges continued to attend school escorted by federal marshals. Her bravery and perseverance inspired people across the nation and helped to challenge segregation in public education.
Bridges' courageous actions paved the way for greater opportunities for Black children and marked a significant victory in the fight against racial discrimination. Her story remains an enduring symbol of courage and determination in the face of adversity, reminding us of the power of individuals to effect positive change.
Learn more through the National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/people/rubybridges.htm
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Ruby Bridges