Ruby Bridges date of birth and identity context
Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in the American South, was born on September 8, 1954. This verified profile explains her birth date, family background, and the historical context of her integration of William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans. The timeline below summarizes key biographical anchors that support accurate reporting and long-term reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ruby Nell Bridges Hall | Biographical records |
| Date of birth | September 8, 1954 | Public birth records and interviews |
| Place of birth | Tylertown, Mississippi, United States | Published biographies |
| Historic role | Integrated William Frantz Elementary, 1960 | U.S. historical records |
| Family at time of integration | Parents: Abon and Lucielle Bridges; siblings | Archival interviews |
Early life and birth context
Ruby Bridges was born in Tylertown, Mississippi, during the postwar era of racial segregation in the United States. Her family moved to New Orleans when she was an infant, seeking better economic opportunities. By 1960, at age six, she became a focal point of the civil rights movement when federal marshals escorted her to desegregated school, marking a pivotal moment in education history. Her birth year situates her experience within the broader context of mid-20th century civil rights struggles.
Integration of William Frantz Elementary
In November 1960, Ruby Bridges attended William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, under federal protection following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Her presence challenged state-supported segregation and required intervention from the U.S. Marshals Service. This moment is widely studied in civil rights curriculum and remains a symbol of courage in education reform.
Life beyond integration
After completing elementary school, Ruby Bridges continued her education in integrated settings and later worked as a civil rights advocate. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and education equity. Her ongoing public engagement reflects a lifelong impact derived from her childhood experience. Contemporary sources consistently reference her birth date as September 8, 1954, in biographical summaries.
Cultural and historical significance
Ruby Bridges represents a critical case study in the intersection of race, education, and federal enforcement in the United States. Her story is commemorated in educational materials, museum exhibits, and scholarship on desegregation. Understanding her date of birth and the timeline of her integration helps frame the legal and social shifts of the early 1960s.
Key facts at a glance
- Birth date: September 8, 1954
- Birth location: Tylertown, Mississippi
- Desegregation milestone: First African American student at William Frantz Elementary in 1960
- Legacy: Founder of the Ruby Bridges Foundation; ongoing advocate for education equity
Reliable sourcing and verification
Information about Ruby Bridges date of birth and career is drawn from public records, authoritative biographies, and interviews. Cross-referencing among educational institutions, civil rights archives, and news reports supports the accuracy of these details. Readers seeking primary documentation can consult court records related to school desegregation and foundation resources managed by her organization.