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The moment is forever etched in the minds of millions by Norman Rockwell’s painting "The Problem We All Live With." It captures the story of an innocent little girl being escorted to school by U.S. Federal Marshals twice her size as hateful mobs hurled racist comments and objects at them.
The journey Ruby Bridges took on November 14, 1960 to William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana to integrate schools forever changed her life and helped shape a nation. The gratitude she felt for those who protected her beats strongly in her heart today as she is reminded during the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington of how far this country has come; and yet, how far it has to go.
“As I reflected this week on what great lengths people went to in order to protect me and then again during the March on Washington, I felt it was important for others to be reminded of how those dreams can come true if only the world could look at a person and not judge him/her by the color of his/her skin,” said Ruby Bridges.
That is why she agreed to a request by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to have her meet with one of the marshals who walked her to school so long ago. Bridges is excited about sharing their story together with a new generation of children at The Children’s Museum. “I wish there were enough marshals to walk with every child as they face hatred and racism today, and to support and encourage them the way these federal marshals did for me,” said Ruby Bridges.
Charles Burks was one of four marshals who escorted Ruby Bridges to school in 1960. He has often shared the admiration he felt for the brave little girl who, “marched to school like a little soldier.” Burks and Bridges will be reunited at The Children’s Museum Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 12:30 p.m..
Bridges feels strongly about the role children played in the Civil Rights Movement and wants to inspire today’s youth to have a cause and create a new movement of their own, which truly resonates in The Power of Children, a permanent exhibit at the world’s largest children’s museum. It is an exhibit that portrays three children whose lives teach us about overcoming obstacles to make a difference in the world (Ruby Bridges, Anne Frank, and Ryan White).
“Most of us may never have to face the extreme hatred these innocent children faced so many years ago,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “Ruby is an extraordinary individual whose mission is to create an awareness of the past and more importantly to help today’s children and their parents persevere through difficult times. This is a testament to her character and an incredible family learning opportunity for our visitors. Ruby’s story inspires others to bring about positive change in the world,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Several decades after Bridges integrated schools in the South, she feels systemic inequality remains a glaring issue in urban schools. The mission of the Ruby Bridges Foundation is to foster racial healing and promote racial equity both locally and nationally.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Facebook.com/childrensmuseum and YouTube.
