Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges' love letter to teacher who helped her through chaotic first grade is worth a thousand words

During our initial years of life, when we’re figuring out how society and humanity work, the journey of learning our identity plays a crucial role. Parents, teachers and loved ones have an important duty while helping shape the foundation of the lives in these primary years. Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges had a similar experience with her first-grade teacher, Barbara Henry, per TODAY. Henry had such a profound impact on her that she wrote a letter to her beloved teacher in the form of a book titled “Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher,” which is an inspiration to many.

Bridges was the first black student to make it to William Frantz Elementary School in 1960, per the Good News Network. The initial years were devastating, full of racism and inequality. The then-six-year-old’s entry into the school saw many white parents calling to revoke the admission and removing their children from the school. Those who were still students there didn’t want to or were told not to interact with Bridges. Things were so disturbing that for her first year, she was the only student in her class. One can only imagine the impact this experience could have on a child. However, Henry ensured that Bridges had a worthwhile experience. 

Not just students, even teachers were protesting and resigning due to Bridges’ historical entry into the school. Nevertheless, Henry was the one teacher who stuck by her side and showed her what love and support looked like. “We often say, both of us, that despite all the hate that was going on outside, inside that room it was filled with love,” Bridges recalled. School was a disaster for Bridges in that first year. She couldn’t go to the school cafeteria and had restrictions on almost everything. She just wanted to enjoy, learn, and make friends like every other student, but discrimination never let her have the upper hand in that first year. Despite it all, Henry did all she could and more to make school worthwhile for Bridges. 

“She (the teacher) filled my day with things to do. She made school fun. I enjoyed learning. Even though the crowd was outside yelling, she would go and close the window and she’d say, ‘We’re going to have music today,’ just to drown out everything,” she explained. Starting at 6 years old, Bridges had been fighting racism. She did it back then and was able to hold on to it because her teacher believed in her and became her pillar of strength. Now in her 70s, Bridges continues to fight for equality and believes that children have the power to bring that equality, just like she did. 

In one of her posts on Instagram, she shared a picture of her little self and wrote, “To all my young people, ‘Power of Children.’ Remember what I’ve been telling you for the past 25 years! If we are going to get past our racial differences...it is going to come from you!” Her book, which she calls a “love letter” to her teacher, recounts her gratitude she’s had for decades for her teacher. “I would not have gotten through that if it had not been for my teacher,” the icon said. She added, “I think that each and every one of us probably remembers one teacher who made an impact in our lives. And she was the one for me.”

You can follow Ruby Bridges (@rubybridgesofficial) on Instagram for more content on equality and empowerment.