History of Ruby Bridges in Timeline

Ruby Bridges is an American civil rights activist notable for being the first African American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana on November 14, 1960. At just six years old, she faced significant racism and hardship as she integrated the school during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis. Her bravery and resilience became a symbol of the civil rights movement. Her experiences were captured in Norman Rockwell's painting, "The Problem We All Live With", solidifying her place in American history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

September 8, 1954: Ruby Bridges Born

On September 8, 1954, Ruby Nell Bridges Hall was born. She later became a civil rights activist known for being the first African American child to attend an all-white elementary school in Louisiana.

Others born on this day/year

1954: Brown v. Board of Education

In 1954, the year of Ruby Bridges's birth, the Brown v. Board of Education ruling declared segregated public schools unconstitutional. This permitted Black students to attend previously all-white schools.

1957: Federal Troops in Little Rock

In 1957, federal troops were ordered to Little Rock, Arkansas, to escort the Little Rock Nine students. This was to combat violence following the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

1959: Segregated Kindergarten

In 1959, Ruby Bridges attended a segregated kindergarten.

November 14, 1960: Desegregation Crisis

On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges was the first African American child to attend the formerly all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana, marking a significant moment during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis. She was escorted by federal marshals.

1960: Integration of New Orleans School System

In 1960, Ruby Bridges' parents volunteered her to participate in the integration of the New Orleans school system, responding to a request from the NAACP. She was six years old at the time.

1960: Integration of William Frantz Elementary School

In early 1960, Ruby Bridges passed a test that determined whether she could attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. Along with three other girls, they were escorted to school by federal marshals during the first day.

January 14, 1964: Publication of "The Problem We All Live With"

On January 14, 1964, Norman Rockwell's painting, "The Problem We All Live With," which commemorated Judge J. Skelly Wright's court order for the first day of integrated schools in New Orleans on November 14, 1960, was published in Look magazine.

1964: The Problem We All Live With

In 1964, Norman Rockwell created the painting "The Problem We All Live With" featuring Ruby Bridges. The painting portrayed her experience integrating into William Frantz Elementary School. The painting was published in Look magazine on January 14, 1964.

September 1995: Honorary Degrees from Connecticut College

In September 1995, Ruby Bridges and Robert Coles were awarded honorary degrees from Connecticut College and appeared together in public for the first time to accept the awards.

1995: The Story of Ruby Bridges

In 1995, Robert Coles wrote a children's book titled "The Story of Ruby Bridges" to share Ruby's story. The royalties from the sale of the book were donated to the Ruby Bridges Foundation.

1998: Ruby Bridges TV Movie

In 1998, the made-for-TV movie "Ruby Bridges" portrayed her childhood struggle at William Frantz Elementary School. The film featured actors such as Chaz Monet, Lela Rochon, Michael Beach, Penelope Ann Miller and Kevin Pollak.

1999: Formation of Ruby Bridges Foundation

In 1999, Ruby Bridges formed the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences.

August 10, 2000: Honorary Deputy U.S. Marshal

On August 10, 2000, the 40 year anniversary of her walk into William Frantz Elementary School, Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder made Ruby Bridges an Honorary Deputy U.S. Marshal.

2000: Carter G. Woodson Book Award

In 2000, Ruby Bridges's book "Through My Eyes" won the Carter G. Woodson Book Award.

January 8, 2001: Presidential Citizens Medal

On January 8, 2001, Ruby Bridges was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton.

2004: Ruby Bridges Hall's Life in New Orleans

As of 2004, Ruby Bridges Hall was living in New Orleans with her husband, Malcolm Hall, and their four sons. She was the chair of the Ruby Bridges Foundation.

2005: Hurricane Katrina

In 2005, Ruby Bridges lost her home in Eastern New Orleans due to the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane also greatly damaged William Frantz Elementary School, in which Ruby played a significant role in fighting for the school to remain open.

November 2006: Hero Against Racism

In November 2006, Ruby Bridges was honored as a "Hero Against Racism" at the 12th annual Anti-Defamation League "Concert Against Hate" with the National Symphony Orchestra, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

November 2007: Children's Museum Exhibit

In November 2007, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis unveiled a new permanent exhibit documenting Ruby Bridges's life, along with the lives of Anne Frank and Ryan White. The exhibit, called "The Power of Children: Making a Difference", featured a recreation of Ruby's first grade classroom.

2010: 50th Year Reunion

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

July 15, 2011: Meeting with President Obama

On July 15, 2011, Ruby Bridges met with President Barack Obama at the White House, where they viewed the Norman Rockwell painting of her. Obama acknowledged the impact of her actions on his own path.

October 2011: Rockwell Painting Displayed

The Rockwell painting of Ruby Bridges was displayed in the West Wing of the White House, just outside the Oval Office, from June through October 2011.

May 19, 2012: Honorary Degree from Tulane University

On May 19, 2012, Ruby Bridges received an honorary degree from Tulane University at the annual graduation ceremony at the Superdome.

February 4, 2016: John Steinbeck Award

On February 4, 2016, Ruby Bridges was the recipient of the John Steinbeck Award at San Jose State University. The award is given to those who capture "Steinbeck’s empathy, commitment to democratic values, and belief in the dignity of people who by circumstance are pushed to the fringes."

November 9, 2023: Robert Coles Call of Service Award

On November 9, 2023, Ruby Bridges was awarded the Robert Coles Call of Service Award by the Phillips Brooks House Association at Harvard University, and gave the corresponding lecture at Memorial Church.

March 5, 2024: Induction into National Women's Hall of Fame

On March 5, 2024, Ruby Bridges was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony honored her alongside Serena Williams, highlighting her contributions to civil rights and education.