How Old Is Ruby Bridges?

Ruby Bridges’ Early Life

Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi. She was the eldest of five children and grew up in poverty. When Ruby was four years old, her parents moved the family to New Orleans in search of better opportunities.

Ruby’s childhood was marked by racial segregation and inequality. She was unable to attend an integrated school due to the strict Jim Crow laws of the time. Instead, she attended a segregated kindergarten, which was located in a small, run-down building.

Despite these challenges, Ruby’s parents instilled in her a strong sense of self-worth and a desire for education. Her mother, Lucille Bridges, worked hard to provide for her family and was a vocal advocate for her daughter’s education.

In 1960, Ruby’s life changed forever when she was chosen to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. This event marked a turning point in the civil rights movement and solidified Ruby’s place in history as a trailblazer for equality and justice.

Integration of New Orleans Schools

In 1960, Ruby Bridges was just six years old when she became the first African American child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. At the time, the city was deeply segregated and racial tensions were high.

The integration of New Orleans schools was the result of a long-fought battle for civil rights. In 1954, the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. However, many schools in the South continued to resist integration.

In New Orleans, the NAACP organized a group of African American parents to enroll their children in white schools. Ruby was one of only six children selected to integrate William Frantz Elementary School.

Ruby’s first day of school was met with protests and hostility. She had to be escorted by federal marshals and faced threats of violence from angry white protestors. Despite the danger, Ruby remained brave and determined to receive the education she deserved.

Her integration of William Frantz Elementary School was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and helped pave the way for future generations of African American students to attend integrated schools.

Ruby Bridges’ Role in Civil Rights Movement

Ruby Bridges’ integration of William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans made her a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. Her bravery and determination to receive an education in an all-white school inspired many and helped to break down racial barriers.

Following her integration of the school, Ruby and her family faced intense backlash and harassment from white supremacists. Her father lost his job, and the family struggled to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Ruby continued to attend school and excel academically.

Her role in the civil rights movement continued beyond her childhood. As an adult, she became a civil rights activist and speaker. She founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which promotes tolerance and diversity education.

In 2001, Ruby was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton for her contributions to civil rights. Her story has been immortalized in books, films, and even a painting by renowned artist Norman Rockwell.

Life after Historic School Integration

After her historic integration of William Frantz Elementary School, Ruby Bridges faced many challenges in her personal and academic life. She continued her education and graduated from a desegregated high school in New Orleans.

Ruby went on to attend Kansas City Business School and worked for many years as a travel agent. However, she continued to feel a calling to speak out for civil rights and social justice.

In 1993, Ruby Bridges published a memoir titled “Through My Eyes” that chronicled her experiences as a trailblazer for school integration. The book was adapted into a made-for-television movie in 1998.

Ruby’s story has continued to inspire generations of people to fight for equality and justice. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the NAACP’s Image Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Ruby Bridges Today: Current Age and Legacy

As of 2023, Ruby Bridges is 68 years old. She continues to speak out for civil rights and social justice and is a sought-after speaker on these issues.

Ruby’s legacy is one of bravery, determination, and perseverance in the face of adversity. She has inspired countless individuals to stand up for what is right and to fight against discrimination and inequality.

In addition to her work as a civil rights activist and speaker, Ruby also founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which seeks to promote tolerance and diversity education. The foundation works with schools and educators to develop and implement programs that promote empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Ruby’s story has been immortalized in many forms, including books, films, and art. Her image has been featured on postage stamps, and she was the subject of a children’s book series by Scholastic.

Despite the challenges she faced as a child and the ongoing struggles for social justice and equality, Ruby Bridges remains an icon of hope and inspiration for people around the world.