Ruby Bridges Research Paper

Ruby Bridges is a prime example of how little girls with bright minds hold so much power. Not only was she intelligent, Ruby was also courageous, determined and warm-hearted. During the time when she was growing up, society was more discriminative towards African-Americans. It was so severe that little kids were separated in schools just based on the pigment of their skin. As the first black child to attend a white elementary school, she was defying stereotypes and changing history, not to mention, she looked absolutely adorable doing it.
Born on September 8th, 1954 as Ruby Nell Bridges Hall, it’s no surprise she’s still alive today. She’s only 61 years old, as we speak. She was born in Tylertown, Mississippi and was raised by her parents

and grandparents on a small farm. When she was around four years old, her parents decided to move her family from Tylertown to New Orleans. “The fact that Ruby Bridges was born the same year that the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision desegregated the schools is a notable coincidence in  her early journey into civil rights activism.” Ruby was one of six African-American kids given the opportunity to take a test, in which determines if she was able to go to a white elementary school. At first, her father was against the idea of Ruby going to an all-white school elementary school but her mother managed to convince him to allow her to go because that Ruby would get a better education at a white school.”
In order to attend the school in New Orleans, Ruby was given a test to see if she qualified. “Ruby was a very bright girl and aced the test.” On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges attended her first day of first grade at William Frantz Elementary School. This is where she showed immense acts of courage. Ruby had to be accompanied by four federal marshals to protect her from angry protestors on the side-lines. Ruby, being the courageous girl that she is, was not frightened by the vulgar slurs thrown her way by angry white parents. “However, this did not frighten her; what did frighten her was a woman holding a black baby doll in a coffin.” Imagine being a 6 year old girl that just wants to go to school facing angered adults telling you that you’re not allowed to enter just because of the color of your skin. Ruby displayed so much bravery and boldness, way beyond her years.
After the horrific first day of school, Ruby continued to go to this school and did not give up. This is where she showed great determination. The second day of school was about the same as the first, except this time, a teach by the name of Barbara Henry agreed to teach Ruby. She was the only teacher at William Frantz Elementary School that wanted to teach Ruby. Henry taught Ruby by herself because even though the school was technically considered integrated, the classrooms weren’t. For the entire school year, this is how Ruby went to school. She had her own separate classroom with Mrs. Henry and though that could’ve tampered with her spirits, “Neither Ruby nor Mrs. Henry missed a single day of the first grade.” The fact that Ruby attended everyday of school showcased her determination.
Ruby Bridges was also a very warm-hearted and forgiving person. Bridges had to face
being called derogatory terms and threats for an entire school year but “she forgave all the people who threatened to kill her” This act of forgiveness not only shows how kind she is but it also shows how strong she is.

Ruby forgave those who were disrespectful to her and continued to move on with her life. She continued her work as a civil rights activist and is still fighting for equality for all races as we speak. In 1999, Bridges started The Ruby Bridges Foundation with one main goal: “promotes and encourages the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences.” This foundation is another way Ruby Bridges is changing the world

today.
In conclusion, Ruby Bridges is an incredibly inspirational woman.

She displayed great bravery, determination, and forgiveness at such a young age. She is wise and the fact that she still fights for equal rights shows how committed she is. She broke the color barrier for schools and showed that all children, despite their races, can come together and learn. She showed that integration of schools is a positive thing despite all the people wanting to stop her. Ruby Bridges is an inspiration to all those little black girls who are put down everyday because of the pigmentation of their skin. She proved that little girls can, in fact, change the

world.