History of Ruby Bridges in Timeline
Ruby Nell Bridges Hall is a prominent American civil rights activist known for her courageous role in the New Orleans school desegregation crisis. In 1960, at the age of six, she became the first African American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. This pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, met with intense resistance and protests, highlighted the deep racial divides in the United States. Federal marshals escorted Bridges to and from school daily to ensure her safety. Norman Rockwell's iconic 1964 painting, *The Problem We All Live With*, immortalized Bridges's brave journey and became a powerful symbol of the struggle for racial equality.
September 8, 1954: Birth of Ruby Nell Bridges Hall
Ruby Nell Bridges Hall was born on September 8, 1954.
1954: Brown v. Board of Education Decision
The Brown v. Board of Education decision, declaring segregated schools unconstitutional, was finalized in 1954, shortly before Bridges's birth.
1957: Federal Troops in Little Rock
In 1957, federal troops were sent to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce school desegregation and protect the Little Rock Nine students.
1959: Segregated Kindergarten
Ruby Bridges attended a segregated kindergarten in 1959.
November 14, 1960: First Day at William Frantz Elementary School
On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges became the first African-American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis.
1960: Entrance Exam and School Transfer
In 1960, Ruby Bridges passed the test allowing her to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. She, along with three other girls, were escorted by federal marshals on their first day at their new schools.
1960: Volunteer for School Integration
In 1960, Ruby Bridges's parents volunteered her to participate in the integration of the New Orleans school system at the request of the NAACP.
January 14, 1964: Publication of Rockwell Painting
Norman Rockwell's painting "The Problem We All Live With," inspired by Ruby Bridges's first day at William Frantz Elementary, was published in Look magazine on January 14, 1964.
1964: Subject of Norman Rockwell Painting
In 1964, Norman Rockwell's painting "The Problem We All Live With," featuring Ruby Bridges, was published in Look magazine.
September 1995: Honorary Degree from Connecticut College
In September 1995, both Ruby Bridges and Robert Coles were awarded honorary degrees from Connecticut College.
1998: Movie "Ruby Bridges" Released
The made-for-TV movie "Ruby Bridges," portraying her childhood struggle, was released in 1998.
1999: Ruby Bridges Foundation Founded
Ruby Bridges Hall founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999 to promote tolerance and respect.
August 10, 2000: Honorary Deputy U.S. Marshal
Ruby Bridges was made an Honorary Deputy U.S. Marshal on August 10, 2000, marking the 40th anniversary of her integrating William Frantz Elementary.
2000: Carter G. Woodson Book Award
Ruby Bridges's book "Through My Eyes" won the Carter G. Woodson Book Award in 2000.
January 8, 2001: Presidential Citizens Medal
Ruby Bridges was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton on January 8, 2001.
2004: Life in New Orleans
As of 2004, Ruby Bridges Hall lived in New Orleans with her family and was chair of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, after working as a travel agent and raising her four sons.
2005: Impact of Hurricane Katrina
In 2005, Ruby Bridges Hall's home and William Frantz Elementary School were damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Bridges played a key role in advocating for the school to remain open.
November 2006: "Hero Against Racism" Honor
Ruby Bridges was honored as a "Hero Against Racism" at the Kennedy Center in November 2006.
November 2007: Children's Museum Exhibit
In November 2007, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis opened an exhibit featuring Ruby Bridges's life and included a replica of her first-grade classroom.
2010: 50th Year Reunion
Ruby Bridges had a 50th-year reunion at William Frantz Elementary in 2010 with Pam Foreman Testroet, the first white child to break the boycott resulting from Bridges's attendance.
July 15, 2011: Meeting with President Obama
On July 15, 2011, Ruby Bridges met President Barack Obama at the White House to view the Norman Rockwell painting of her.
October 2011: Rockwell Painting Displayed
The Norman Rockwell painting of Ruby Bridges was displayed at the White House until October 2011.
May 19, 2012: Honorary Degree from Tulane University
Ruby Bridges received an honorary degree from Tulane University on May 19, 2012.
February 4, 2016: John Steinbeck Award
Ruby Bridges received the John Steinbeck Award on February 4, 2016.
November 9, 2023: Robert Coles Call of Service Award and Lecture
On November 9, 2023, Ruby Bridges received the Robert Coles Call of Service Award from the Phillips Brooks House Association at Harvard University. She also delivered a lecture at Memorial Church.
March 5, 2024: National Women's Hall of Fame Induction
On March 5, 2024, Ruby Bridges was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, alongside tennis icon Serena Williams. This honor recognizes her contributions to civil rights and education.