In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation in public schools was illegal. Yet, due to a loophole in the law, Louisiana’s public schools were still segregated six years later. That changed when Ruby Bridges’ parents chose to send Ruby to first grade at the all-white school near her home. While Ruby helped integrate Louisiana’s public schools, her path was not easy. In this audio story, Ruby discusses what it was like to be the only Black student in an all-white school. Listen to hear how and why Ruby became one of the youngest heroes of the civil rights era.
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Story Length: 7:17
Used with the permission of WAMU. All rights reserved.
02/15/2021
https://app.listenwise.com/students/lessons/786-civil-rights-leader-ruby-bridges
What two events happened in 1954?
Why did Ruby’s parents want her to switch to the all-white school?
What happened to Ruby’s father after she changed schools?
How did Ruby Bridges feel about her teacher and why?
Comparison Chart
As you listen to the audio story, make notes about Ruby Bridges’ original school where she attended kindergarten and the beginning of first grade in the left column, and about her new first grade school in the right column.
Language Identification Organizer
Listen closely and check off each sentence or partial sentence as you hear it.
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