The Black Student Union (BSU) picked Ruby Bridges to honor on November 14 for her activism in civil rights. Teachers and students were encouraged to wear purple and decorate classroom doors in a judging contest.
When Ruby Bridges was only six years old, she had advanced the cause of civil rights in November 1960. When she had been the first African American to integrate into a white elementary school in the south.
She was born September 8, 1954 in Tylertown, Mississippi. Where she grew up on a small farm. Her parents, Abon and Lucille Bridges were sharecroppers, which means they would farm on land that was not owned by them.
When she was four years old, her parents moved to New Orleans, hoping for a better life in a bigger city. Her father got a job as a gas station attendant and her mother took night jobs to help support their growing family. Bridges had two younger brothers and a younger sister.
When Bridges was in kindergarten, she was one of many African American students in New Orleans who were chosen to take a test determining whether or not she could attend a white school. It is said the test was written to be especially difficult so that students would have a hard time passing. The idea was that if all the African American children failed the test, New Orleans schools might be able to stay segregated for a while longer.
Even though she had to face threats and protests, her bravery became a symbol of hope and progress, leaving a profound impact on the fight for racial equality. Her inspiring story continues to remind us of the power of education and the importance of standing up for justice.
Mrs. Pamila Vera’s classroom was the Ruby Bridges door winner this year. The class won donuts as the prize. Mrs. Vera’s students spent the whole week studying what Ruby Bridges did in her life. When doing the door they brainstormed a lot of good ideas. Out of all their ideas, they decided they would ask her questions as if she was still alive. If given the opportunity to ask a question, what would it be? They felt proud of what she did to improve education for all. In addition, the class watched videos of different times Ruby Bridges was interviewed to get a sense of who she was and what she believed in during this time.
Some of the teachers who participated were Mrs. Pacheco, Mrs. Nicoletti, Mr. Leonard, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Patino, and Miss Tatiana.