Ruby Bridges was born in Mississippi on September 8,1954 (“Donaldson”). Among her seven brothers and sisters, she was the oldest (Donaldson). Living in the 9th ward-the poor section of New Orleans, Ruby was raised in a discriminative era. (Donaldson). Where different water fountains and restaurants were separated for blacks and whites was a normal everyday occurrence. Segregated schools where never questioned or thought of as unfair to african americans. Almost everything was separated, and racism was a large quality for this time period. Ruby changed how schools were segregated, and this is why she should be in the History Hall of Fame.
In 1954, the US supreme court said it was not lawful to keep African Americans from going to all white schools (“Donaldson”). Ruby had to take vigorous tests to see if she qualified to go to these schools. In the end she did amazing! On November 14,1960 she began attending William Frantz Public School for the first black girl (“Donaldson”). US marshals escorted to school, as many white parents protested her arrival to school.
Ruby faced many challenges for a young 6 year old. William Frantz School had been fully segregated up until her arrival. Many people protested her attending this school, screaming hate and racist comments at her. On that November day, Ruby began her long journey to equality and civil rights. With few students in her class, due to parents pulling them out for her attendance, Ruby began her education there (Harrison).
Ruby made a huge contribution to moving along the battle to civil rights. With books and paintings about her experiences and troubles. The heart breaking and beautiful painting constructed by Norman Rockwell called, “The problem we all live.” Also many education books and true stories including Ruby’s memoir called,”Though my eyes,”. As well as Ruby’s foundation is to promote respect and equal treatment to all.
Ruby’s political views are not for sure, but we found some clues that she might be a democrat. When we looked on her twitter feed she was following Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey who are both a part of the Democratic party. Ruby is also a Christian. In the books I’ve researched on her she was always asked to pray. She worked on bringing civil rights to this nation. Through the endless hatred and prejudice, Ruby conquered her goal of peace.
Ruby didn’t truly have an economical impact, but had many books written about her. Which brought income from her and the authors who wrote the meaningful books about her journey. Some of the books include one which Ruby wrote called,”Through my eyes” and others such as the story of Ruby Bridges. Ruby also visits school and helps people push for their dreams with bravery like her six year old self.
Ruby and Martin Luther King Jr. are marvelous icons for civil rights in the sixties. Both of these people used bravery and strength to move along the fight to justice, instead of violence and hate. Ruby made a statement that whites and blacks can go together in school in peace. Martin worked towards peace with protests and speeches. Such as his famous “I have a dream” speech delivered in Washington DC, which lasted a total of 17 minutes. Both of these incredible humans made history with little acts making a impacts on how African American people were treated. These two Americans changed history in a positive way, by changing how black people were treated during this time.