Ruby Bridges Biography: Age, Wikipedia, Education, Career, Husband, Children, Net Worth

Onyedika March 26, 2024

Ruby Bridges Biography

Ruby Bridges is an American civil rights activist, known for being the first African American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on November 14, 1960.

At just six years old, her brave act became a symbol of the civil rights movement. She was escorted to school by federal marshals amidst protests, and her story has been an inspiration in the struggle for racial equality in the United States.

Ruby Bridges Age

Ruby Bridges is 69 years old as of 2024.

Ruby Bridges Early Life and Education

Ruby Bridges, born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi, was the eldest of eight children in her family. At the tender age of four, Ruby moved with her family to New Orleans, Louisiana, seeking better opportunities.

Ruby’s educational journey began under extraordinary circumstances. In 1960, at six years old, she became the first African American child to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. This historic event occurred during a time of great social upheaval in the United States, as the nation grappled with the civil rights movement and the desegregation of schools.

The decision for Ruby to attend the previously segregated school was not made lightly. Her parents responded to a call from the NAACP, volunteering Ruby to be a part of the integration of the New Orleans school system. Despite her father’s initial hesitations, Ruby’s mother saw this as an opportunity for Ruby to receive the education she deserved and to take a stand for the rights of all African American children.

Ruby’s first day at William Frantz Elementary was marked by chaos and hostility. Escorted by federal marshals, she braved a screaming mob, entering the school amidst cries of protest. Inside, she spent her day in the principal’s office as angry parents withdrew their children. This tumultuous start did not deter Ruby; she continued to attend school, showing remarkable courage and resilience.

Throughout that year, Ruby was taught alone by Barbara Henry, a teacher from Boston, in an otherwise empty classroom. Despite the isolation and daily confrontations with racism, Ruby remained steadfast.

Ruby Bridges Career

Ruby Bridges’ career and life after her historic walk into William Frantz Elementary School have been marked by her continued commitment to civil rights and education.

Ruby Bridges, after her pioneering childhood, went on to live a life that continued to be intertwined with the cause of civil rights and education. For a significant period, she stepped away from the public eye and worked in various roles, including as a travel agent.

In adulthood, Ruby reconnected with the civil rights movement and began to take an active role once again. She started by sharing her experiences as a child through speaking engagements. Her story, which had already been immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Problem We All Live With,” continued to inspire and educate people about the civil rights era and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Ruby’s commitment to education led her to establish the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999. The foundation’s mission is to promote the values of tolerance and respect through educational programs. It aims to change society through the education of children, as Ruby believes that racism is a learned behavior that can be unlearned.

As an author, Ruby has written several books, including a children’s book titled “Through My Eyes” and “Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story.” These books serve as educational tools that provide insight into her experiences and the broader civil rights movement. They are used in schools across the country to teach children about the history of segregation and integration.

Ruby’s influence extends beyond her foundation and books. She is a sought-after public speaker and has received numerous awards for her work, including the Presidential Citizens Medal. In 2000, she was made an honorary deputy marshal in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., recognizing her courage and contributions to civil rights.

In 2014, a statue of Ruby was unveiled outside the William Frantz Elementary School, commemorating her brave steps towards integration. This statue stands as a reminder of the progress made and the work that continues in the fight for equality.

Today, Ruby Bridges Hall, as she is now known, remains an active and influential figure in the civil rights community. Her life’s work, rooted in her historic walk to school, continues to impact and inspire generations.

Ruby Bridges Husband and Children

Ruby Bridges is married to Malcolm Hall. The couple tied the knot in 1984 and took the name Ruby Nell Bridges Hall. Together, they have four sons and reside in New Orleans.

Malcolm Hall Net Worth

Ruby Bridges has made a significant impact as a civil rights leader, and her net worth is estimated to be around $3 million as of 2024.