Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(60,935 posts)
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 08:25 AM Nov 2023

On this day, November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges entered the William Frantz Elementary School.

The name might not ring a bell, but you've seen her depicted in this illustration:



Ruby Bridges



Bridges in 2011

Born: Ruby Nell Bridges; September 8, 1954 (age 69); Tylertown, Mississippi, U.S.
Website: www.rubybridges.com

Ruby Nell Bridges Hall (born September 8, 1954) is an American civil rights activist. She was the first African American child to attend formerly whites-only William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on November 14, 1960. She is the subject of a 1964 painting, The Problem We All Live With, by Norman Rockwell.

{snip}

Integration

{snip}



U.S. Marshals escorted Bridges to and from school.

{snip}

Adult life

{snip}

In 2010, Bridges had a 50th-year reunion at William Frantz Elementary with Pam Foreman Testroet, who had been, at the age of five, the first white child to break the boycott that ensued from Bridges' attendance at that school.



Bridges and President Barack Obama view the painting by Rockwell in the White House. (video) {linked below}

On July 15, 2011, Bridges met with President Barack Obama at the White House, and while viewing the Norman Rockwell painting of her on display he told her, "I think it's fair to say that if it hadn't been for you guys, I might not be here and we wouldn't be looking at this together". The Rockwell painting was displayed in the West Wing of the White House, just outside the Oval Office, from June through October 2011.

{snip}



Ruby Bridges visits with the President and her portrait

The Obama White House

998K subscribers

462,703 views Jul 15, 2011
Ruby Bridges visited the White House to see how a painting commemorating her personal and historic milestone looks hanging on the wall outside of the Oval Office. American Artist Norman Rockwell was criticized by some when this painting first appeared on the cover of Look magazine on January 14,1964; now the iconic portrait will be on display throughout the summer of 2011 in one of the most exalted locations in the country.
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
On this day, November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges entered the William Frantz Elementary School. (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves Nov 2023 OP
She was a brave little girl Deuxcents Nov 2023 #1
The bravery of a six year old girl makes me feel embarrassed, ...... 70sEraVet Nov 2023 #2

Deuxcents

(19,707 posts)
1. She was a brave little girl
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 08:31 AM
Nov 2023

And her parents, too. I read her first book but I’m sure she has since written others.

70sEraVet

(4,144 posts)
2. The bravery of a six year old girl makes me feel embarrassed, ......
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 08:40 AM
Nov 2023

to remember all of the times I heard some idiot spout some racist garbage, and I didn't speak out.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»American History»On this day, November 14,...