What is the Ruby Bridges Foundation?
The Ruby Bridges Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1994 by Robert Goldberg and his wife, Jeanne. The foundation is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Ruby Bridges, a young African American girl who became an international symbol of hope and courage during the Civil Rights Movement.
A Legacy of Courage and Resilience
Ruby Bridges was born in New Orleans in 1944. She was the first African American child to attend a white school in New Orleans in 1960. At the time, the city’s desegregation policies were still in place, but many white parents refused to send their children to the newly established "separate" schools.
On November 14, 1960, Ruby and her mother, Ophelia, boarded the Bus #1 that would take them to their first white school. This bus was notorious for its segregated seating, with white children seated in the front and African American children seated in the back. As Ruby and her mother walked to the bus stop, Ruby’s mother whispered words of encouragement and hope into her ear, reminding her of the incredible strength and resilience that lay within her.
The Bus Ride
When Ruby finally arrived at her new school, she was greeted by a white student who refused to look at her. Ruby was 6 years old and had been dressed in her usual Sunday best, but the white child wouldn’t stop staring. This was the start of a long and difficult journey, one that Ruby and her mother would face for months to come.
The Journey to Integration
The Ruby Bridges Foundation was established to record and preserve the history of Ruby’s experience, as well as to educate the public about the Civil Rights Movement. The foundation has worked tirelessly to track down and interview Ruby’s classmates and teachers, as well as to document the historic Bus #1 bus that took Ruby to school for the first time.
Preserving Ruby’s Legacy
Today, the Ruby Bridges Foundation preserves Ruby’s legacy in a variety of ways, including:
- Documentation: The foundation has created a detailed account of Ruby’s journey, including her daily experiences and interactions with her teachers and classmates.
- Museum: The foundation has opened a museum in New Orleans, "The Ruby Bridges Story," which showcases the history of the Civil Rights Movement and Ruby’s role in it.
- Education: The foundation provides educational materials and resources for schools and teachers, including lesson plans, teacher guides, and activity ideas.
- Research: The foundation conducts research on the Civil Rights Movement and Ruby’s experience, publishing books, articles, and documentaries.
Impact and Legacy
The Ruby Bridges Foundation has had a profound impact on the world. The organization’s efforts have helped to educate people about the Civil Rights Movement and the importance of equality and justice. Ruby’s story has inspired countless people around the world, from students and activists to artists and musicians.
The foundation’s work has also highlighted the power of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Ruby’s story is a testament to the idea that even in the most difficult and challenging times, people can find the strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve great things.
Key Statistics
- Ruby Bridges was born in 1944 in New Orleans.
- She was 6 years old when she began attending a white school.
- The Ruby Bridges Foundation was established in 1994.
- The foundation has documented Ruby’s journey for over 30 years.
- The foundation’s museum has over 10,000 visitors each year.
Conclusion
The Ruby Bridges Foundation is a remarkable organization that has made a lasting impact on our world. Ruby’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of equality, justice, and compassion. The foundation’s efforts are a testament to the power of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. As we continue to work towards a more just and equitable society, we would do well to remember the legacy of Ruby Bridges and the importance of preserving her story.