Liberators in History: Ruby Bridges and Mrs. Henry

In November 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges stepped into history as the first Black child in America to attend an all-white school. 

Escorted by federal marshals through a jeering crowd, she entered William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans where an empty classroom greeted her. All of the white students had been withdrawn, and the school's teachers had all refused to teach her—except one. Barbara Henry, a new teacher from Boston, found space in her heart for Ruby and offered a resounding yes! At that moment, both teacher and student became trailblazers in the desegregation of America's schools.

For that entire school year, Ruby and Mrs. Henry were alone in the classroom. Though Ruby was just six and too young to understand the full weight of what was happening outside those classroom walls, she knew with certainty that she looked forward to seeing her teacher—and only friend—every day, Monday through Friday.

Ruby Bridges and Barbara Henry teach us that liberators come in different shapes, sizes, ages, and colors, but all have one thing in common: courage, heart, and a willingness to go the extra mile to bring about needed change. Their example reminds us that when we show up for one another in love, we will change the world, little by little, step by step, for the better—and for the greater good of all.

Ruby and Barbara’s story comes to life here in Rare Historical Photos.