THE INSPIRATION OF A 6 YEAR OLD GIRL

THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF RUBY bridges

 "I like sharing a story with my class on the first day of meeting them, and that story is about RUBY BRIDGES the first Black girl to be admitted to an all-white school in the USA! 

Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi. In 1960, when she was just six years old, her parents were contacted by officials from the NAACP about an opportunity for her to attend an all-white school. She was one of six Black students who passed the entrance exams and had to be admitted to the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Life for this six-year-old girl turned into a nightmare. It was reported that:

 1. Bridges had to be escorted to school by US Marshals and had to be escorted everywhere, including the washroom. It was a challenging situation for her. 

2. On the first day, she had to spend her entire day in the principal's office because of a riot from parents. 

3. On the second day, all the parents withdrew their children from the school. 

4. All teachers, except one, resigned from the school. Imagine everyone resigning because of you! 

5. The matron boldly told her that she would poison her. (Just a 6-year-old girl). 6. Ruby was never fed at school; her mom always prepared her food from home. 

7. On her way to school every day, people would line up on the streets to throw things at her and, worse of all, boldly tell her their intentions to kill her. 

8. On many occasions, people would approach her with a small coffin with a black doll stabbed into it. 

9. The boycott of the school by the students lasted for almost a year. 

10. The only teacher who did not resign and spent the entire year teaching Ruby was Barbara Henry. 

- Both the mother and the father lost their jobs due to the boycott.

 - In most cases, Bridges would wake her parents up at night due to stress. (Imagine a 6-year-old girl with depression).

 - Finally, calm was restored, and knowing very well that their ability to keep those students out of school meant just a Black 6-year-old had challenged the entire white race, they brought the students back. 

Ruby Bridges continued her education, eventually graduating from a desegregated high school. She went on to work as a travel agent and later became a public speaker, sharing her experiences and advocating for civil rights and education. 

Her story was documented in the famous Norman Rockwell painting titled "The Problem We All Live With," which depicts a young Ruby being escorted to school by U.S. Marshals. Ruby Bridges' contribution to the civil rights movement and her lifelong commitment to equality and education have made her an iconic figure in American history. Today, Ruby Bridges continues to be an advocate for racial equality and social justice, and her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against discrimination and injustice." NEVER give up even in challenging circumstances Like my page: #Aik history series for more 😊😊 #Siraik