Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges says she doesn’t fear ‘backlash’ with her new ‘inspiring’ children’s book

By Claretta Bellamy, NBC News

Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges made history as the first Black student to attend an all-white school in 1960, and now she’s sharing her inspirational story through a new children’s book. 

“I Am Ruby Bridges” tells the activist’s story through the eyes of her 6-year-old self. It chronicles her experience as the first Black student to attend William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school in New Orleans, and the challenges she faced. 

Born in Tylertown, Mississippi in 1954, the same year the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional, Bridges said she was the target of racial slurs, harassment and bullying from adults every day she attended school. In one incident, a white woman even held a Black doll in a coffin, she recalled, frightening her deeply. Because of her enrollment, many white parents pulled their children out of the school. 

Bridges believes that her 48-page picture book, which includes vivid illustrations by Nikkolas Smith and a glossary to help young readers learn new words, will teach important lessons to the next generation of activists.  

“It is important for all children to know all of our history, good or bad,” Bridges, 67, said in an email to NBC News. “It is our shared history in this country and because of it we should all know that history.”

Read about Bridges’ hopes for her new book.

Ruby Bridges is just one young Black person who changed history. Learn about one unsung hero.

Follow our breaking news archive.