Ruby Bridges

In recognition of Mother's Day this coming weekend, this installment of the Wonder in Every Woman is dedicated to Lucille and Ruby Bridges. Determined not only to give her own daughter a better education, but to "take this step forward ... for all African-American children," Lucille bravely supported Ruby to become the first black child integrated into New Orleans’ William Franz Elementary school in 1960. The two were escorted daily by federal marshals for a year due to death threats, including one woman who threatened Ruby every morning as she walked to school that she was going to poison her. Many white parents refused to let their children attend an integrated school and none of the teachers would agree to teach while a black child was enrolled except Barbara Henry (from Boston). 6 year old Ruby had to walk through a mob of protesters and was in a class by herself for over a year. One of the Deputy Marshals later recalled, "She showed a lot of courage. She never cried. She didn't whimper. She just marched along like a little soldier, and we're all very very proud of her.” The fortitude of the Bridges women, stoic in the face of racial hatred, is truly an inspiration.