Ruby

Ruby Ruby Bridges was one of the first Black American pupils in a 'White' school after racial segregation was declared unconstitutional. It was November 14th, 1960 when six year old Ruby sat in school alone, children and teachers stayed at home. RUBY...... 'My Mother took special care getting me dressed that day, new White shoes, stiffly starched White dress and a White ribbon in my hair' She told me: 'there may be a lot of people outside school today, but there's no need to be afraid, i'll be with you all the way'. Four federal US Marshal's came to the door to drive us to school. As we got in the car my Mother said: 'Ruby, I want you to behave yourself today and do what the Marshals say'. As the Marshals extracted me from the Cavalcade a jangle of jeering shrieks rose from the barricade: 2-4-6-8 we don't want to integrate, sang the protestors I didn't know what these words meant After school, I taught a friend this chant I guess when I heard the tirade that we had stumbled on the Mardi Gras parade THEN..... The Whites of my eyes shone like those of a frightened Fawn as a protester held a coffin carrying a little Black doll. ON LOOKER: As the sun burns away haze from the Mississippi River large crowds began to gather. White Women in Toreador pants shouting hateful chants at the small Black girl in a starched White dress gripping her Mothers hand Surrounded by racial turmoil yet courageous and standing tall Ruby is an inspiration to us all.