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Press Releases

• Hewitt and Ruby Bridges: Building the Diverse Workforce of the Future

• During Black History Month: Civil Rights Pioneer Ruby Bridges To Visit L.A. Area Schools As Part Of Year-Long Diversity Education Program

• Museum of Tolerance Partners with Civil Rights Pioneer to Bring Youth Education Program to Los Angeles

On November 14, 1960, a shy, six-year-old girl became the unwitting symbol of the nation’s struggle for civil rights and integration, as armed federal marshals escorted her past throngs of angry protesters into William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, the first African American child to enter the former segregation stronghold.

Ruby Bridges never chose the arduous mission she was given that day. Nevertheless, she continues to keep the spirit of tolerance and diversity alive today with Ruby’s Bridges, an educational program designed to bring diverse populations together to develop relationship-building strategies. A project of The Ruby Bridges Foundation in partnership with the Museum of Tolerance, Ruby’s Bridges will connect fourth and fifth grade students, parents, and educators of various socioeconomic backgrounds and schools who otherwise may never have a chance to interact and experience each other’s similarities, as well as differences.

Four elementary schools across Los Angeles are currently participating in this effort to bridge gaps and wipe out preconceived notions. The Crescent Heights Blvd. Language Arts & Social Justice Magnet School (West Los Angeles) will partner with Marquez Charter School (Pacific Palisades), and Ninety-Third Street Elementary School (South Central Los Angeles) will partner with Serrania Street Elementary School (Woodland Hills).

Ruby’s Bridges was kicked off on all four campuses this school year with a viewing of Disney’s “The Story of Ruby Bridges.” The partner schools have also begun pen-pal correspondence.

On Wednesday, November 6th, Ninety-Third Street Elementary School students will visit Serrania Elementary School, when pen-pals will meet for the first time for a play day and pizza lunch in the park. Likewise, Crescent Heights Blvd students will visit Marquez Charter School for a similar get-to-know-you experience on Thursday, November 7th.

Throughout the year, students at these partner schools will form relationships that defy socioeconomic boundaries through such joint play days and pen-pal letters, along with journal writing, autobiographies, community service projects, and a trip to the Museum of Tolerance. The year will culminate in June as Ruby Bridges addresses participating students, teachers, and parents in person.

Through My Eyes, Ruby Bridges’ first-hand account of her experiences in the civil rights movement, received the Museum of Tolerance Once Upon a World Children’s book award in October, 2000.

For more information, contact the Museum’s Public Relations Department at 310-553-9036, or Ruby Bridges Foundation board member Lance Volland at 818-954-6932.