Ruby Bridges

Date of Birth: September 8, 1954

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Ruby Bridges is a prominent American civil rights activist, best known for being the first African-American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in the South. Born in Tylertown, Mississippi, and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bridges became an iconic figure in the civil rights movement at the tender age of six. On November 14, 1960, she made history by attending William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, escorted by federal marshals due to violent mobs protesting her attendance. Despite facing an onslaught of racial abuse and threats, Ruby and her family stood firm. Her bravery and resilience became a powerful symbol of the fight against racial segregation in American schools. After completing her elementary education, Ruby went on to graduate from a desegregated high school and later worked as a travel agent. She also established the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999 to promote the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences. Ruby’s story has been immortalized in books, films, and paintings, most notably in Norman Rockwell’s iconic painting “The Problem We All Live With,” which depicts her courageous walk to school. Today, Ruby Bridges continues to advocate for racial equality and education reform, inspiring generations with her story of courage and determination.

5 Interesting Facts about Ruby Bridges

1. Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she desegregated William Frantz Elementary School.

2. She was one of six black children in New Orleans to pass the test that determined whether they could attend an all-white school.

3. Ruby’s father lost his job and her grandparents were evicted from their farm because of her involvement in desegregation.

4. Ruby Bridges Hall established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and create change through education.

5. In 2001, Ruby was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ruby Bridges

1. “Don’t follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail.”

2. “Each and every one of us is born with a clean heart. Our babies know nothing about hate or racism.”

3. “Racism is a grown-up disease and we must stop using our children to spread it.”

4. “The greatest lesson I learned that year in Mrs. Henry’s class was the lesson Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to teach us all: Never judge people by the color of their skin.”

5. “My message is really that racism has no place in the hearts and minds of our children.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Ruby Bridges is not publicly documented, but her significant contributions to civil rights and her foundation work are invaluable.

Children

Ruby Bridges has four sons. She has often spoken about the importance of educating the younger generation about the history of civil rights and the ongoing struggle for equality.