Ruby Bridges Biography & Quiz | reading comprehension | Educational worksheets PDF

Ruby Nell Bridges Hall

Ruby Nell Bridges Hall, born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi, is an American civil rights activist best known for being the first African American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her courageous act, at just six years old, became a significant symbol of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, representing the fight against racial segregation in American schools.

Early Life

Ruby Bridges was born into a poor African American family in the Deep South. Her parents, Abon and Lucille Bridges, were sharecroppers who sought better opportunities for their family. In 1957, when Ruby was four years old, the family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, in search of better economic prospects and a less racially hostile environment.

Despite the challenges of poverty, Ruby's parents placed a high value on education and wanted her to receive the best possible schooling. However, like many African Americans in the South during this period, Ruby was subjected to the strict racial segregation laws of the Jim Crow era, which mandated separate public facilities, including schools, for black and white citizens.

The Integration of William Frantz Elementary School

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. However, many Southern states, including Louisiana, resisted this ruling and delayed the integration of their schools. In 1960, a federal court ordered Louisiana to desegregate its schools, and the New Orleans School Board created an entrance exam for African American students to determine whether they could compete academically with their white peers.

Ruby Bridges was one of six African American children in New Orleans to pass the test. Her parents decided to enroll her in the William Frantz Elementary School, despite the significant risks and threats they faced from those opposed to integration. On November 14, 1960, Ruby became the first African American student to attend William Frantz Elementary School.

The First Day of School

Ruby's first day at William Frantz Elementary School was marked by intense hostility and resistance from white parents, students, and community members. She was escorted by four federal marshals to ensure her safety amidst angry mobs who shouted slurs and threats at her. Ruby’s mother accompanied her, while her father lost his job due to his daughter’s involvement in school integration.

Despite the chaos, Ruby displayed remarkable courage and composure. She spent the entire day in the principal's office as white parents pulled their children from the school. Ruby's bravery and resilience captured the nation’s attention and became a powerful image of the Civil Rights Movement.

The Challenges of Integration

For the remainder of the school year, Ruby attended school alone in her classroom, as white parents refused to let their children attend classes with her. She was taught by Barbara Henry, a compassionate teacher from Boston who supported integration and became a pivotal figure in Ruby’s education and emotional well-being during this challenging period.

Ruby faced immense psychological pressure and emotional trauma due to the constant threats and harassment. Despite this, she remained steadfast and continued to attend school daily, under the protection of the federal marshals. Ruby’s family also faced significant repercussions, including her father losing his job, her grandparents being evicted from their farm, and her mother being denied service at local stores.

Impact and Legacy

Ruby Bridges’ act of courage was a significant step forward in the battle for civil rights and the fight against racial segregation in American schools. Her bravery paved the way for further integration in the South, although it would take many years and continued efforts to achieve meaningful desegregation nationwide.

In 1999, Ruby Bridges established the Ruby Bridges Foundation, aimed at promoting tolerance and creating change through education. She has since become an author and public speaker, sharing her story with new generations to inspire empathy, understanding, and the continued pursuit of racial equality.

Recognition and Honors

Ruby Bridges’ contributions to the Civil Rights Movement have been widely recognized. In 2000, she was honored by President Bill Clinton with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Her story was immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s famous painting, The Problem We All Live With, which depicts Ruby escorted by federal marshals on her way to school.

In 2011, Ruby returned to William Frantz Elementary, now a National Historic Landmark, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her historic integration. Her life and legacy continue to be celebrated as a testament to the power of courage and the impact of individual actions in the fight for justice and equality.

Conclusion

Ruby Bridges’ story is a profound example of bravery and resilience in the face of hatred and adversity. Her actions as a young child played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, and her ongoing work as an activist serves as a reminder of the importance of education, tolerance, and the fight for racial justice in America.

Are you ready for the comprehension test?

Quiz - Test Yourself

1. Where was Ruby Bridges born?

Correct Answer: B. Tylertown, Mississippi

2. At what age did Ruby Bridges desegregate William Frantz Elementary School?

Correct Answer: B. 6 years old

3. Who accompanied Ruby to school on her first day?

Correct Answer: C. Federal marshals

4. What was the main reason Ruby Bridges attended school alone in her classroom?

Correct Answer: C. Other parents kept their children home

5. Ruby Bridges' integration of William Frantz Elementary School was in 1960.

Correct Answer: True

6. Ruby Bridges was the only African American student to pass the entrance exam for William Frantz Elementary School.

Correct Answer: False

7. Ruby's teacher during her first year at William Frantz Elementary School was from New Orleans.

Correct Answer: False

8. Ruby Bridges established a foundation to promote tolerance and change through education.

Correct Answer: True

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Ruby Bridges Reading Comprehension Resources

Ruby Bridges was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, and teaching students about her through differentiated reading comprehension activities can greatly enhance their understanding of history. Many educational resources are available, including printable worksheets and comprehension questions tailored for Key Stage 2 (KS2) and beyond.

Ruby Bridges and the Civil Rights Movement

Through Ruby Bridges reading passages, students can explore her role in elementary school desegregation. Resources include multiple choice questions and engaging classroom reading strategies that help children comprehend her significant contributions as a civil rights activist.

Why Teach About Ruby Bridges?

Using materials like Ruby Bridges history lessons and biographies ensures that students not only improve their reading comprehension but also gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of key figures in history. You can find PDF reading comprehension activities that are easy to print and integrate into your lesson plans.