Many African Americans have played key roles in change, whether it be physical or emotional. Among these brave souls is Ruby Bridges, a young girl who proved that her desire to learn outweighed any obstacles she faced.

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Ruby began to attend William Franz, an all-white school in New Orleans, on November 14, 1960 and thus launched her lifelong battle for equality. Though she was by no means welcomed with open arms into this new environment, Ruby persevered with help from her mother and teacher, Mrs. Henry. Both of these women inspired Ruby to be courageous and not give up, despite of all of the problems she faced.

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In 1999, Bridges created the Ruby Bridges Foundation, whose purpose is to put an end to racism through education. As its motto states, “Racism is a grown-up disease, and we must stop using our children to spread it.”

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2-22-17