Ruby Bridges, the first Black student to integrate an all-white public school in New Orleans, addressed a gathering at Rockefeller Chapel on January 29. The event featured black-and-white footage of her historic walk to William Frantz Elementary School over 60 years ago, escorted by U.S. marshals amidst hostile crowds.
During a fireside chat with University of Chicago Associate Professor Rashauna Johnson, Bridges reflected on the enduring impact of those events. "It speaks to the fact that we think that this happened such a long, long time ago," she said. "And seeing me is a reminder that it wasn’t that long ago."
Bridges participated in UChicago’s 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration, where she discussed her early experiences and emphasized the need to protect youth from racism. The conversation was introduced by remarks from UChicago undergraduate Arsima Araya and President Paul Alivisatos.
Araya highlighted parallels between past and present racial tensions: “People gathered here 60 years ago in search of renewal, inspiration and connection at a time of heightened racial divides and uncertainty,” she said. Alivisatos praised Bridges' story as one of resilience and courage: “She reminds us that the seeds of compassion, once planted, can flourish for generations.”
Recalling her childhood experience during school integration following Brown v. Board of Education's ruling, Bridges shared how her parents were divided on sending her to an all-white school due to safety concerns. Her mother ultimately decided in favor of education despite risks.
Bridges described being escorted by U.S. marshals through hostile crowds on her first day at William Frantz Elementary School: “I remember looking out the window and thinking: Today is Mardi Gras,” she said.
Despite being isolated as the only student in class for a year due to protests from other parents and teachers leaving their posts, Bridges fondly remembered Barbara Henry, who taught her during this period: “She made school fun,” Bridges recalled.
Reflecting on current issues like censorship and gun violence—which claimed her son—Bridges encouraged unity across races for positive change: “We have to be hopeful, and we have to fight exactly like evil is fighting today,” she urged attendees. “Choose good.”