Ruby Bridges

Honoring Ruby Bridges: A Young Hero of Courage and Change

When we think of the courageous individuals who stood up for equality in education, Ruby Bridges' name is unforgettable. At just six years old, Ruby became a symbol of resilience and hope when she became the first African American student to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. Her bravery helped pave the way for future generations to receive an equal education, regardless of the color of their skin.

Ruby Bridges, born in 1954, was only a child when she walked into William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960, escorted by federal marshals. Facing crowds of people who opposed her presence, Ruby showed incredible bravery by attending school each day despite the challenges. She spent the entire school year as the only student in her class, as many families pulled their children out of the school. Despite the isolation, Ruby's courage and the support from her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry, allowed her to continue her education and show the world that change was possible.

Kit's Connection

In Kit's Reading Adventure, Kit faces her own challenges, although different from Ruby's. Kit's struggle with dyslexia requires her to find courage, much like Ruby did when she walked into that classroom. Kit's story shows that facing challenges, whether they are personal or social, takes strength and perseverance. Ruby Bridges’ story is a reminder to all of us that standing up for what is right, even when it’s hard, can make a difference for those who come after us.

In honoring Ruby Bridges, we celebrate her courage, her belief in the power of education, and her role in changing the world for the better. Just as Ruby faced her fears to create a better future, we hope young readers will be inspired to find their own courage to face challenges, big or small, and to believe that they, too, can make a difference.

‍Kit's Reflection

If I could speak to Ruby Bridges, I would thank her for showing all of us what real bravery looks like. Walking into that school when so many people were against her must have been so scary, but she did it anyway. Because of her courage, kids like me can go to school without worrying about being treated differently because of who we are.

Sometimes learning feels hard, and it can be easy to feel like giving up. But when I think about Ruby, I remember that even the hardest challenges can be faced with courage. To any kid out there who feels scared or alone: remember Ruby. She was just a kid, but she made a huge difference. You can be brave, too, and every step you take forward matters.

Vocabulary & Morphology

1. Courage
   • Definition: The ability to face fear or difficulty with bravery.
   • Root: cour- (meaning "heart," from Old French corage and Latin cor)
   • Suffix: -age (indicating a state or quality, from Old French)
2. Integration
   • Definition: The process of bringing people or groups together, especially in the context of racial equality.
   • Prefix: in- (meaning "into" or "toward," from Latin)
   • Root: tegr- (meaning "whole" or "complete," from Latin integer)
   • Suffix: -ation (indicating an action or process, from Latin)
3. Adversity
   • Definition: Difficulties or misfortune.
   • Prefix: ad- (meaning "toward," from Latin)
   • Root: vers- (meaning "turn," from Latin vertere)
   • Suffix: -ity (indicating a state or condition, from Latin)