Ruby Bridges Walked Into a Storm

## The bravest walk in history In 1960, a six-year-old girl named Ruby Bridges walked into William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. She was the first Black child to attend that school. She had to be escorted by four U.S. Marshals because the crowd outside was so angry. People held signs. People shouted. It was scary. But Ruby walked in anyway. ## What she did inside Every day, Ruby prayed for the people who were angry at her. She said she wanted them to know she didn't hate them. Only one teacher, Barbara Henry, would teach her. They became close friends. ## What Ruby says now Ruby Bridges grew up and started a foundation to help kids understand racism and treat each other kindly. She says: "Racism is a grown-up disease. We have to stop using our children to spread it." ## Your brave moment You probably won't walk into a storm like Ruby did. But every day you have chances to be kind when it's hard, to stand up when it's easier to stay quiet. That's the same brave muscle Ruby used. You have it too.