Thank You, Ruby Bridges
by Taryn C.

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Dear Ruby Bridges,

Entering first grade is hard enough, with a new school, new teachers, and a new principal. Luckily, most of us are blessed with classmates and teachers who have an open mind about us and are willing to seek friendship.

You were cruelly mistreated by a mob of people who didn’t know a thing about you, just that your skin was darker than theirs. As you were escorted into your new school by marshals, people chanted, “2-4-6-8! We don’t want to integrate!” At age 6, I would have just stared at them with blank eyes, not knowing what that three-syllable word “integrate” meant. “I’m going to poison you, I’ll find a way.” If I heard these words from a grown woman, I would not want to eat for a month!

Your teacher Mrs. Henry was a very skillful woman who did not judge people by their looks. It was unfair that she was fired for being compassionate to you! Being in a classroom of one because my skin color was different would break my heart to a point where it could not be fixed. People should be treated equally no matter how they look.

Sadly, in our world there are still people who treat others differently based on the color of their skin, the church they go to, and what country they are from. You have inspired me to make a difference. I will always treat people fairly no matter how they look. If someone is treating another unfairly, I will raise my voice and stick up for that person. I will listen to my inner voice that tells me what is right and wrong. Everyone has this voice, but most choose to ignore it.

I thank you, Ruby Bridges, for helping our world be one step closer to equality for all.

Respectfully Yours,
Taryn C., 5th grade, Massachusetts

"Thank You, Ruby Bridges"

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