Lucille Bridges
Who is Lucille Bridges?
Lucille was a woman full of courage and dignity, who lived between 1934 and 2020. Many people are more familiar with her role as Ruby Bridges’ mother but I want to recognize her own grit that carried her through the momentous occasion when Ruby became one of the first students to integrate elementary schools in the South. Lucille experienced push back from her husband, who was concerned about Ruby’s well being, and many white individuals from the community. She carried the burden of the repurcussions of this decision, with Mr. Bridges being forced from his job, Lucille’s parents being forced from their land where they had worked as sharecroppers, unrighteous rage from people opposing integration, and the long-term impacts these integration-opposers had on Ruby’s mental health. Despite all of this, Lucille held her head high and persevered. She always remembered her experiences as a sharecropper and the longing she felt as she watched the white children board the bus for school. She let these life experiences move her, even when facing great challenges.
(U.S. Air Force photo/David Terry) (released) (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)
How does she inspire you?
Lucille Bridges had her head and heart set on the big picture at all times and never forgot to cherish her family. She stayed true to her foundational beliefs. She took action. She remained focused on desired outcomes. Because of her strength, I’ve had the privilige of learning alongside classmates from a variety of backgrounds and my life is much better for it. Because of her vision, black children across the United States have had access to better education. I hope that we, as US citizens and residents, honor her efforts by continuing to fight for safe learning spaces, well-cared for teachers, and deliverance of learning strategies that match the needs of students.
If you’d like to learn more about this great woman, check out these sites:
