FAQs
On January 8, 2001, Bridges was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton. In November 2006, 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.
What was Ruby Bridges honor? ›
On January 8, 2001, Bridges was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton. In November 2006, 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.
What happened to Ruby Bridges when she was 4? ›
When she was four years old, her family moved to New Orleans. Two years later a test was given to the city's African American schoolchildren to determine which students could enter all-white schools. Bridges passed the test and was selected for enrollment at the city's William Frantz Elementary School.
Where was Ruby Bridges birthday? ›
Ruby Bridges was born in Tylertown, Mississippi on September 8, 1954. At the age of two, she moved to New Orleans with her parents, Abon and Lucille Bridges, to seek better opportunities for their family.
What was Ruby Bridges' favorite color? ›
The museum provides virtual museum tours and programs. Learn more about Ruby Bridges and her work by visiting the Ruby Bridges Foundation. Wear purple! It's Ruby's favorite color.
What year did Ruby Bridges get awarded the Medal of Honor? ›
President Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001. A bronze statue of Bridges stands proudly in the courtyard of William Frantz Elementary School, now home to the Akili Academy. It honors the young girl who opened a door for generations of students to enter.
Who was protecting Ruby Bridges? ›
The Children's Museum Remembers Former U.S. Marshal Charles Burks, Who Protected 6-Year-Old Ruby Bridges.
What did Ruby Bridges do at 6 years old? ›
At the tender age of six, Ruby Bridges advanced the cause of civil rights in November 1960 when she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South.
Did Ruby Bridges have 4 sons? ›
Answer and Explanation:
Following her marriage to Malcolm Hall, Ruby Bridges had four sons. Her sons are named Sean Hall, Christopher Hall, and Craig Hall, as well as a fourth, publicly unnamed son. Bridges son Craig Hall was killed in a street shooting in New Orleans in 2005.
What are fun facts about ruby bridges? ›
Did you know…?
- In 1999, Ruby wrote a children's book about her experiences, entitled 'Through My Eyes. ...
- In 2014, a statue of Ruby was erected outside the former William Frantz Elementary School.
- The singer-songwriter Lori McKenna wrote a song about Ruby called 'Ruby's Shoes.
Her grandparents were evicted from the farm where they had sharecropped for a quarter-century. Eventually, other African American students enrolled. Ruby went on to graduate from a desegregated highschool, became a travel agent, married, and had four sons. Today, Ruby continues to be a civil rights activist.
How old is Ruby Bridges' mom now? ›
NEW ORLEANS — Lucille Bridges, the mother of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, who walked with her then-6-year-old daughter past crowds screaming racist slurs as she became the first Black student at her all-white New Orleans elementary school, has died at the age of 86.
What president did Ruby Bridges meet? ›
PRESIDENT OBAMA: I think it's fair to say that if it hadn't been for you guys, I might not be here and we wouldn't be looking at this together, so... RUBY BRIDGES: Just having him say that meant a lot to me and it always has.
What is Ruby Bridges' fav food? ›
For dinner, they ate New Orleans or Southern food like red beans and rice. Sometimes, they had fried catfish or shrimp for dinner. Ruby's favorite desserts were banana pudding and sweet potato pie.
What is Ruby Bridges' favorite color in 2024? ›
Woodson Book Award for writing about her experience. Despite unfavorable weather forecasts, schools remained steadfast in holding their event with thousands of students marching down the streets waving purple flags–Ruby's favorite color.
What grade was Ruby Bridges in? ›
Most white parents also would not let their children attend the Frantz School anymore, so Ruby was the only student in her first grade class for most of the year.
Why was Ruby made an honorary deputy? ›
Forty years after breaking the New Orleans public school color barrier, Ruby Bridges became an honorary deputy marshal at a Washington, D.C., art gallery that featured an exhibit of paintings by the artist who made her famous as a youngster.
What university gave Ruby Bridges an honorary degree? ›
Ruby Bridges did not go to college. However, she has been awarded two honorary degrees from Tulane University (2012) and Connecticut College (1995).
What was Ruby Bridges passionate about? ›
A lifelong activist for racial equality, in 1999, Ruby established The Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and create change through education. In 2000, she was made an honorary deputy marshal in a ceremony in Washington, DC.
What is Ruby Bridges' famous quote? ›
One famous quote by Ruby Bridges was from a speech given at the dedication of her new Ruby Bridges Foundation ceremony. She said, "Racism is a grownup disease. Let's stop using kids to spread it."
