Bridges probably had no idea that the bold act she committed in 1960 would set off a chain reaction leading to the integration of schools in the South. She was just 6 years old when she became the first African American student to attend William Frantz Elementary in Louisiana at the height of desegregation. Now the Ruby Bridges Foundation exists to “inspire the next generation of leaders to end racism together one step at a time.”
By the second day, white parents had removed their children from the school and Ruby became the only student in her class for an entire year. Despite facing a crowd of angry white citizens every day, Ruby returned each day and went on to become a civil rights hero who paved the way for equal access to education for generations of African American students.
Escorted into William Frantz Elementary School by four U.S. Marshals, little Ruby spent her first day of school waiting in the principal’s office, where not one person spoke a word to her or her mother.
To celebrate her incredible life and legacy, here are five powerful Ruby Bridges quotes.
1. “Don’t follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail. When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you!”
2. “Each and every one of us is born with a clean heart. Our babies know nothing about hate or racism. But soon they begin to learn – and only from us. We keep racism alive. We pass it on to our children. We owe it to our children to help them keep their clean start.”
3. “My message is really that racism has no place in the hearts and minds of our children.”
4. “I now know that experience comes to us for a purpose, and if we follow the guidance of the spirit within us, we will probably find that the purpose is a good one.”
5. “Racism is a grown-up disease and we must stop using our children to spread it.”
Sources
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g25954127/african-american-historical-figures/
MRS. T’S CORNER 
The courage of Ruby’s parents were incredible. Ruby attending an empty classroom probably gave her a good start in school with the personal attention but very lonely!
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Incredible indeed. I agree an empty classroom probably gave her a great start in school without distractions. Have a wonderful day.
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Have the best day ever!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
yowza!!!!! ❤
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Hi Jonathan, thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day.
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What a beautiful tribute to Ruby! Praise God for her courage. Her words are so wise and valuable!
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Karla, it took divine intervention for this six-year-old child and her mother to endure the loneliness and so much hatred. Thank you for sharing your comments and have a wonderful day.
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Yes! Without God…we couldn’t do it could we my friend? It’s so powerful when we allow the Spirit to work~just in those precious women~and like you do daily! God’s blessing and healing sweet sister. ❤️🙏🏻
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