This quilt celebrates the courage of Ruby Bridges. Ruby Bridges is a Black Civil Rights activist best known for being one of the first black children to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South.  She became a symbol of the struggle for Civil Rights when, at the age of six, she enrolled at William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960. Amidst significant opposition and protests, Bridges attended the school under the protection of federal marshals. I remember reading about her in the local paper and watching her on the evening news on television.  I thought how frightened this small child must be to go through crowds of angry white people, spewing hateful taunts and calling her vile names.  Her bravery in facing hostility and prejudice made her an iconic figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Ruby Bridges’ story has been chronicled in books and films, and she continues to advocate for education and equality. In 1999, she founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and create change through education. 

In the quilt I pictured Ruby walking through the entrance of the school building, accompanied by United States Marshals.  Outside the door are angry white people holding signs protesting integration.  At the bottom of the quilt are National Guardsmen holding back an angry white protestor.  The border of the quilt is patchwork blocks.  It’s my way of honoring quilters who have come before me.  The “A+” is symbolic of Ruby being a great student who received honor grades throughout her attendance at school.