Escorted by federal marshals, Ruby Bridges, walked through a mob of people who wanted her dead each day just to go to school. White teachers refused to let her in their class, white parents hid their children and children refused to play with her. At only 6 years old, Ruby had the devastating realization that all the anger and hatred she was witnessing was directed at her because of the color of her skin. Years later, she speaks out about her traumatic experience in effort to change the system.

Ruby Bridges became an enduring symbol of courage and hope when, at just six years old, she became the first Black child to integrate an all-white school in the South. On November 14, 1960, Ruby walked past a hostile crowd, under the protection of federal marshals, to attend William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Her actions were not just a milestone in the Civil Rights Movement but also a bold step toward dismantling the system of racial segregation in public schools. Despite facing e

Six-year-old Ruby Bridges became a civil rights icon in 1960. She calls her work "a calling" to this day. USA TODAY recognizes Bridges as a Woman of the Century. https://bit.ly/30PtE1s | USA TODAY Video