Deputy U.S. Marshals Escort Ruby Bridges to School in 1960

On November 14th we celebrate the 64th anniversary of a historical event that changed our nation. A five year old girl, simply going to school, paved the way for many generations to come. Ruby Bridges, was one of four elementary school girls who were the “firsts” to change public schools in New Orleans. They later became known as “the New Orleans Four”. Because of their courage and bravery, they are the reason why many young students of color gained the right to be in the same learning environments with white students.

Massachusetts was the first state to separate children in school systems legally. The Massachusetts Supreme Court in 1849 ruled the case of Roberts v. City of Boston, making segregation in schools constitutional state wide. Segregation had risen in 1877 after the Reconstruction Era. Louisiana was the first to pass the first Jim Crow law in 1890 making separation of race a state law. The Supreme Court case of Plessy v. Ferguson made these laws constitutional.

This was the start of a long and grisly time in our nation’s history. Affecting many generations of children by filling them with ideas that they are less than a child than one the same age as them that has white skin.

In New Orleans segregation in schools was prevalent as early as 1841. But it was not until the 1860’s when the state constitution had officially banned segregation in schools including the discrimination in the acceptance process of students. This was a movement forward, but it was also a time full of hatred from the parents’ efforts to stop integration. It created an environment full of fear for colored students.

Yet, an innocent, timid, sweet little girl made history without knowing the impact it would have on the nation. And now she will forever be in our history books. Ruby Bridges was the first African American to attend William Frantz Elementary School. An all white school, before Bridges nervously stepped foot in the intimidating hallways. Bridges was one of six African American first graders to be approved to transfer schools, to start the desegregation in education in New Orleans. Four of the six brave six-year old girls made a historical change and the eyes of the world were on all of these girls.

After Bridges started to attend the school she had to face protestors. Hundreds of people protested the fact that they did not want their children to share a classroom with a colored student. She was not alone though. She was escorted by the brave men of the U.S. Marshals Service who did their best to block and protect her from the hatred that surrounded her. United States Marshals Herschel Garner, Charles Burks, and others took the initiative to be the escorts of the girls in New Orleans. They steered the little girls clear, through the loud voices filled with rage. The protestors would go so far as to even throw things at both her and the other girls, and their parents just because of their skin color.

One woman protester maliciously brought a black doll in a wooden coffin to “welcome” Ruby before she started her day at school. Scenes like these have become etched in our history.

Children around our nation learn about the struggles of the Civil Rights Era. Norman Rockwell’s painting, “The Problem We All Live With” captures that history. The painting not only displays Bridges' courageousness, but also the heinous acts of the people of that time.

Rockwell’s painting also depicts the symbol of protection the Deputy Marshals have within them.

Ruby Bridges became an honorary deputy 40 years after the historical date, on August 10th, 2000. She is now a part of the virtue that the United States Marshal Service holds themselves to. Deputy Attorney General at the time, Eric Holder who swore her in as an honorary Deputy Marshal said, “the small steps of a little girl were a giant leap forward for this nation”.

Today, Ruby continues to share her story of being targeted in her own school and advocate for change. Because of her bravery sixty-four years ago, our children are not separated based on the color of the skin they were born with. We should take this day to reflect on this time in history. Ruby Bridges’ story is important to remember, as members of the U.S. Marshal Service. The agency that jumped into action to allow history to be made. We reflect on this historic day to remember that not so long ago, our nation was divided. And we, the United States Marshal Service were there on the front lines to help make things right.