Ruby Bridges: Brave Step
The year was 1960
The day, November 14th
When a little Black girl
Was brave in New Orleans
Her name was Ruby Bridges
Some called her Ruby Nell
She lived through segregation
And gained quite a story to tell
William Frantz Elementary
Would never be the same
It was no longer a White school
The day that Ruby came
On her first day of school
She was so strong and proud
She stepped boldly without stopping
Through fiercely threatening crowds
There were people filled with hatred
Who told Ruby to go back home
They did not want integration
They taunted Ruby to make it known
But little Ruby had protection
Her mother, US Marshalls, and her God
As she stepped into this new school
Her teacher, Ms. Henry, won her heart
Ruby was, sometimes, afraid
But she prayed and continued on
With her family, teacher, and community
She weathered integration’s storm
Ruby Bridges’ experience
Is a significant part of history
Her unwavering faith and courage
Resulted in what we now see
Schools all across America
Integrated and diverse
Children of every color and creed
Learning together, breaking the curse.
APA
Reference:
“Ruby
Bridges: Brave Step.” Latorial Faison,
February 2012, 28 Days of Poetry Celebrating Black History Volume 3 www.latorialfaison.com
Summary:
This poem
can be used to introduce students to the Civil Rights era and the desegregation
of the Schools. The Poem tells the story of Ruby Bridges who was the first
black child to attend an all-white elementary school in the South.
Teaching
Ideas:
After reading the poem to the class. I would instruct
the class to imagine that they were an eye witness to Ruby Bridges entering the
all-white Elementary school and write a letter to someone telling them about the
historic event.
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