Civil Rights Icon Ruby Bridges Visits Poly

On April 2, Poly proudly hosted civil rights activist Mrs. Ruby Bridges. Many American students have learned about how Mrs. Bridges ushered in desegregation by attending a formerly all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960, including Lower Schoolers at Poly. We thank Myles and Ravelle Worthington P ’34 ’33, Poly K-12 DEI Parent Committee co-chairs, who invited Mrs. Bridges to campus.

Mrs. Bridges spoke candidly with our Lower and Middle School students about her experience as a six-year-old with the world watching. She honestly shared how she made sense of the adults boycotting her presence at Frantz Elementary and pulling their kids out of the school, the impact of this decision on her family, and the profound loneliness she felt being the only child in her grade for an entire year. Lower School students even had the opportunity to ask Mrs. Bridges questions, to which she answered honestly about her childhood and life since first grade.

Lower School students joined from their homeroom classes, while other Poly community members came together in Founders Hall to listen in. One figure that stood out in Mrs. Bridges’ storytelling was her first-grade teacher Mrs. Henry. Many in the audience could relate to the impact our teachers at all ages play in our lives. Mrs. Bridges was the only student in her first-grade class due to boycotting students and teachers, but Mrs. Henry stepped up to mentor her. Mrs. Bridges fondly recalled how she developed a Boston accent from Mrs. Henry and also said she was her “best friend” during the time.

We appreciate Mrs. Bridges sharing her story and taking questions from our Lower School students. Her warmth and humility were apparent during her talk. Our community won’t soon forget this event!