Ruby Bridges
September 8, 1954 in a small town in Mississippi a young girl who made a huge difference in American history was born. This girl was the one and only Ruby Bridges. At only a year old Ruby and her family moved to New Orleans, and this is where she grew up as a kid. Soon enough, Ruby was faced with a once in a lifetime opportunity that could benefit her in many ways, but at the same time was very dangerous. Ruby was able to attend William Frantz School: an all white school.
Mr. Bridges was very skeptical because he didn’t want to endanger his daughter by putting her in this situation because he knew what some people were capable of. However, his wife saw things differently. She wanted ruby to get a good education because if she had that she knew she would have a better life. She saw that her daughter was very smart and wanted her to put that knowledge to good use.
Ruby’s commute to school was unlike the typical bus ride. She had U.S Marshalls escort her to and from school every day. The walk to the building was brutal. Many Caucasian parents were very cruel to ruby and even pulled they’re kids out of this school because they didn’t want them associating with Ruby. Ms. Henry made all of the difference to Ruby’s life. She was willing to teach any child regardless of his or her race. She taught ruby even thought she was the only student left in the class and she enjoyed teaching her.
This is an incredible story that shows a lot about character. Ms. Henry was very brave and courageous because even though she went against the majority she stood up for what she believed and what she knew was right. Ruby was a brave young girl that soon came to realize the danger she was put in, but even thought she was aware of the circumstances she continued attending school everyday. That shows true heroic qualities at such a young age and set the tone for the Civil Rights Movement.
http://www.kidzworld.com/article/23033-ruby-bridges-bio#