WASHINGTON, DC— Representative Marcia L. Fudge delivered a speech on the House Floor commemorating the 49th Anniversary of the integration public schools in New Orleans, LA.  The Representative tells the story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American to break that color barrier.  A script and video of her speech is attached.


Script of her Speech
M. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 901, which recognizes the 49th anniversary of integrated schools in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

49 years ago, Ruby Bridges became the first African American student to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Amidst deadly threats, violence, and abuse, Ruby attended her first grade class everyday over the course of the year.  She was escorted to school by federal Marshalls just so that she could receive the same education as her white peers.  When Ruby entered her new classroom, the white students refused to sit and learn next to her. 

Ruby was fortunate to have Ms. Barbara Henry as her teacher during this tumultuous year. Ms. Henry instructed Ruby in an empty classroom over the course of the school year.  The two played games, talked, and learned from each other amongst the racially tensed times. It is not surprising that Ms. Bridges still considers her year with Ms. Henry as one of the most pleasant times in her life. 

Outside the classroom, Ruby came face to face with the ugliness that erupted during this time. Militant segregationists took to the streets in protest, and riots erupted all over the city. Her family also felt the impact of her bravery. Her father, Abon Bridges, and her grandparents were all fired from their jobs.  However, many folks both black and white supported the Bridges family during their trying times.  People sent letters of support, neighbors watched after the house, and helpful friends and community members made financial contributions.

In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated schools violated the Equal Protection clause of the 14th amendment. Prominent figures like Rev. Martin Luther King, Justice Thurgood Marshall, and the Little Rock Nine are Civil Rights activists who are typically credited with moving the civil rights movement forward.  While the story of Ruby Bridges is not widely known, her contributions to the Movement are equally deserving of great recognition.

Today, Ruby stands as a hero to all of us. She has taken the lessons she has learned from her youth and dedicated her life to helping students.  Her foundation helps students deal with racism and diversity at school and within their own community.  She also wrote, “Through My Eyes,” explaining her first grade experience, and now partners with organizations that promote non-violence in schools.

Her monumental contributions to the American Civil Rights movement deserve to be recognized.  I want thank Rep. Gwen Moore for bringing this resolution forward and urge my colleagues to support this measure.  I reserve the balance of my time.