The Black Ruby

In November of 1960, Ruby Bridges walked into a formerly whites-only public school in New Orleans and made history.


Norman Rockwell, one of the most famous American illustrators of the 20th century, immortalized that moment in his painting Problems We All Live With in 1964.

In this painting Rockwell captures the racial tensions from the height of the Civil Rights Movement. On the wall behind this beautiful little girl is the racial slur "nigger" as well as the initials KKK which stood for the Ku Klux Klan. She is guarded on both sides by security personnel.  The painting is done from the perspective of the white onlookers. Though we can't see their faces or hear their taunts in this painting, we know what that day was like in New Orleans:

Watch from 7:00-8:00 to see the movie's portrayal of Ruby Bridges entering the school.


Last year, Bridges was honored with the opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama to see Rockwell's painting on display in the White House.

Read more on the topic here.