Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi, and later moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1960, the United States was grappling with the complexities of the Civil Rights Movement, which sought to dismantle racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. The landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 had declared segregated schools unconstitutional, leading to the historic decision to integrate schools across the nation. However, the implementation of this ruling faced significant resistance, especially in the South.

On November 14, 1960, at just six years old, Ruby Bridges became a central figure in the integration of public schools when she was enrolled at William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Accompanied by federal marshals due to threats against her safety, Ruby’s arrival at the school drew a crowd of angry protestors. Many white parents pulled their children from school, and Ruby was often met with hostility as she walked into the building. Despite these challenges, Ruby persisted, attending classes and demonstrating remarkable courage in the face of adversity. Under the guidance of her teacher, Barbara Henry, Ruby continued her education, eventually becoming a role model for many in the ongoing fight for civil rights.

This event not only marked a significant turning point for African American children seeking to attain equal educational opportunities but also highlighted the challenging road towards desegregation in schools across the United States. Ruby Bridges' experience was captured in various forms of media, illustrating the heavy social implications of her journey as a young girl challenging the norms of her time.