February is Black History Month, the time of year to celebrate the influence Black figures have had not just on the country but also on the world.

Today, the Edison Public Library recognizes Ruby Bridges who, in 1960, became the first Black student to be integrated into an all-white school in New Orleans.

Born in 1954, Ruby Bridges and her family moved from Mississippi to New Orleans where, in 1960, her parents responded to a request from the NAACP for participants to integrate into the school system. Of the six original volunteers, only Ruby was left to join the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. Ruby’s first day of school is marked by the iconic photo of her being escorted by U.S. Marshals to and from class. 

Ruby lived most of her life as a travel agent and mother. In 1999, she published her first book about her experiences with breaking the color barrier at the age of 6. She also began the Ruby Bridges Foundation aimed at fighting racial injustice and promoting appreciation of all differences.

For her role in civil rights, Ruby has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Citizens Medal, an Honorary degree from Tulane University, and has two elementary schools named after her. A statue of Ruby bridges also stands outside William Frantz Elementary School to mark her place in history as their first Black student.

Through My Eyes
by Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges and the Desegregation of American Schools
by Duchess Harris

eBook on HOOPLA

Ruby Bridges
by M. Michelle Derosier

eBook on HOOPLA

This Is Your Time
by Ruby Bridges

Audiobook on eLibraryNJ

Ruby Bridges: A Brave Child Who Made History
by Jeri Cipriano

eBook on HOOPLA

I Am Ruby Bridges

by Ruby Bridges

Audiobook on HOOPLA

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