Ruby Bridges (1960) | Periscope

Ruby Bridges' first day at William Frantz Elementary School was very unusual. Integration, or the sharing of schools by African American and white people, had recently become law in 1960. She was one of the first African American students to attend an all-white public school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Many people did not want her to go to the school. An angry mob yelled hateful remarks at her as she entered the school building. She had to be guarded by federal marshals to ensure her safety. But Ruby entered and stayed at the school, becoming one of the first African Americans to integrate a public school in the state of Louisiana.  

Painter Norman Rockwell paid tribute to Ruby's experience in his painting, "The Problem We All Live With."

Courtesy: Norman Rockwell Licensing

Standards

• 5.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the conflicts, innovations, and social changes in the United States, including South Carolina, from 19501980.
  • 5.4.CE Analyze the causes and impacts of social movements in the U.S. and South Carolina.
• 8.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of world events on South Carolina and the United States from 1929 to present.
  • 8.5.CX Analyze the correlation between the Modern Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina and the U.S.
• USHC.5 Demonstrate the impact of Americas global leadership on technological advancements, the transition to a post-industrial society, and ongoing debates over identity in the period 1945present.
  • USHC.5.CC Evaluate continuities and changes during the Civil Rights Movement and other subsequent movements for equal rights.