Early Start
At just six years old, Ruby Bridges was selected to be the first black child to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Her parents volunteered her for this role, believing it was a necessary step for a better future for all African-American children.
Key Achievements
- First African American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in the South
- Became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement
- Established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and respect
- Awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton
Why They Inspire Us
Ruby Bridges is a powerful role model for children because she showed immense courage and resilience in the face of prejudice and adversity. Her story teaches us that even at a young age, one person can make a significant difference in the fight for equality and justice.