Barbara Henry facts for kids

Barbara Henry, born on May 1, 1932, is a retired American teacher. She is famous for teaching Ruby Bridges. Ruby was the first African-American child to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans.

Who Is Barbara Henry?

Barbara Henry grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. She went to Girls' Latin School. There, she learned to value what people had in common. This was true even if they came from different backgrounds or had different skin colors. Before teaching in New Orleans, Mrs. Henry taught in schools for military families overseas. These schools were already integrated, meaning students of all races learned together.

A New Teaching Job

In 1960, Mrs. Henry and her husband had just moved to New Orleans. The school leader called her to offer a teaching job. Mrs. Henry asked if the school would be integrated. The superintendent asked if that would matter to her. She bravely said no, showing she was ready to teach any student.

A Historic School Year

The school year began in 1960. Barbara Henry and Ruby Bridges showed great courage. They refused to be scared by the angry crowds. This made them important figures in the American civil rights movement.

The First Day of School

When Ruby Bridges first entered the school, many white parents took their children out. Almost all the white teachers also refused to teach. They did not want to teach while a Black child was enrolled. Only Barbara Henry was willing to teach Ruby. For more than a year, Mrs. Henry taught Ruby alone. It was as if Ruby was a whole class by herself.

On that first day, Ruby and the adults with her stayed in the principal's office. The school was very chaotic. They could not move to the classroom until the second day.

Ruby's Experience with Mrs. Henry

Ruby Bridges was a bit nervous when she first met Mrs. Henry. Later, Ruby remembered how kind her teacher was. She said that even with angry crowds outside, Mrs. Henry greeted her every morning. Mrs. Henry was a white woman who risked her own safety. Ruby also said, "Mrs. Henry was the nicest teacher I ever had." She tried hard to help Ruby focus on learning. Ruby could not forget that there were no other children in her class.

A Lasting Legacy

The first day of integrated schools in New Orleans was November 14, 1960. This important event was remembered in a famous painting. Norman Rockwell painted The Problem We All Live With. This artwork shows Ruby Bridges walking to school. It highlights the challenges faced during the civil rights era. Barbara Henry's bravery helped make this historic moment possible.