#rubybridges

The McDonogh Three were Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost (RIP), girls who had all previously attended black-only schools in the lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, a neighborhood segregated by block. Then, on November 14, 1960, the students arrived at McDonogh No. 19, a previously segregated all-white school, escorted by United States Marshals wearing yellow armbands to enact school integration.

The desegregation was met with violent protests and many precautions had to be taken to protect the students. That same morning, a 6-year-old girl named Ruby Bridges integrated a second New Orleans public school, William Frantz Elementary. Bridges and the McDonogh Three are collectively known as the New Orleans Four.

On this day in 1960, a six-year-old Ruby Bridges integrated her New Orleans elementary school as adults hurled slurs and cruel words at the brave little girl. 

 “Ruby Bridges is an inspiring reminder that our nation owes a huge debt of gratitude not just to the adults who took a stand during the Civil Rights Movement, but to the extraordinary children […] who were front-line soldiers in the war to overthrow Jim Crow in American life.” -Marian Wright Edelman 

This is for those that want to ban Ruby Bridges books

Me: Write a movie scene depicting Ruby Bridges being walked into school by US Marshalls past a screaming White mob

ChatGPT:

INT. WILLIAM FRANTZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, NEW ORLEANS, 1960

Ruby Bridges, a 6-year-old African American girl, is escorted by four US Marshalls as they walk down the street and approach the entrance of William Frantz Elementary School. The Marshalls tightly hold Ruby's hands, shielding her from the raging mob of white protestors who line the sidewalks and shout insults at her.

The group makes its way through the throngs of angry people, and Ruby’s eyes remain focused ahead, trying to ignore the hateful words being thrown at her. She holds her head high, determined to get to school and start her education.

PROTESTOR 1: (screaming) We don't want your kind here! PROTESTOR 2: (holding a sign) Nigger go home! PROTESTOR 3: (spitting) You don't belong here!

Despite the chaos, Ruby remains resolute, her eyes set on the entrance of the school as the Marshalls guide her closer. She clutches her school supplies tightly to her chest, a reminder of why she's here.

Ruby stops at the entrance, and one of the Marshalls turns to address the crowd.

US MARSHALL: (firmly) Move along now, folks. This little girl has a right to an education, just like any other child.

The Marshalls form a human barrier, protecting Ruby as they escort her inside the school. The shouting and yelling continue outside, but as the door closes behind her, Ruby finally feels a sense of relief. She takes a deep breath and looks around the empty hallways, a small smile playing at her lips.

Ruby may be the only African American student in the school, but she's here to stay and receive an education, no matter what the angry mob outside may say.