A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ruby Bridges.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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January 8, 2001: Presidential Citizens Medal
On January 8, 2001, Ruby Bridges was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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