Ruby Bridges

Born: 1954 in Mississippi

Civil rights activist known for, at only 6 years old, being the 1st black child to desegregate the white only William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during desegregation crisis in 1960.

She & her mom were escorted to school each day by 4 federal marshals.

Former US Deputy Marshal Charles Burks said of her: “She showed a lot of courage…never cried…” Forever bonded with teacher Barbara Henry because neither of them gave in to the hate & intimidation.

Now runs her foundation built on the values of tolerance & respecting others.

Said: “Racism is a grown-up disease and we must stop using our children to spread it.”