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On November 1960, 6 year old Ruby Bridges was escorted by 4 US Marshals into William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans. She was selected to become the first black child to desegregate an all white school. A mob of 230 angry white racists antagonized Bridges during her first days of school. They appeared outside the school carrying racist signs and black dolls in coffins and making violent threats in an attempt to scare her. In spite of the fact that she was integrated into the school, she was isolated from all the students in her first year. She was the only student in her classroom As the school year progressed the violent mob intensified. Bridges faced threats of being hung and poisoned. She was relegated to eating and playing alone. Her only companion throughout the day was her teacher. Bridges' teacher, Barbara Henry, was a white woman who had just moved from Boston. Bridges was Ms. Henry's only student during her first year. Ms. Henry was ostracized because she was teaching a black student. Outside of teaching academics, she also taught Bridges about treating people based on their hearts and not what they looked like. Bridges and Ms. Henry had a very special bond. The impacts of Bridges integration to William Frantz Elementary rippled into her home and family life. Her father lost his job and the family ended up being banned from their local grocery store. Bridges was a test case for desegregation. The following year the school became a mix of black and white children. After Bridges first year, no one really talked about the menacing crowd and the racism she had to endure. Her experience was swept under the rug. After high school she went on to become a travel agent, got married, and had 4 sons. She became a mentor and parent liaison at William Frantz. Today she is a motivational speaker and an activist for racial justice. She formed The Ruby Bridges foundation in 1999. Bridges resides in New Orleans.

Ruby Bridges Tshirt

$30.00Price
  • These shirts were individually made and require gentle care.  To preserve your shirt wash inside out in cold water and air dry.

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