Through My Eyes

The Bridges family suffered for their leading position in the school desegregation movement. A white-owned grocery store refused to accept the family’s business after Ruby’s enrollment. Ruby’s grandparents called from Mississippi and expressed the concern that Mr. Bridges “would be lynched—murdered by a lawless mob,” as many innocent Black men were in the mid-20th century (36). Bridges was not keenly aware of the dangers the family faced as a child, though. Instead, she remembered financial concerns. Mr. Bridges was fired from his job despite high quality work, only because he allowed his daughter to attend William Frantz. His former employer outright admitted this fact (37).

Media coverage of the situation in Louisiana moved many viewers to action. Bridges remembers receiving gifts from around the nation because “many Americans wanted to encourage [the family]” (36-37). The family also received notes. A particularly special one came from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. These gifts and letters helped the family materially and emotionally.

The Bridges’s neighborhood was extremely supportive of the family, too, checking in and offering support. Neighbors even set up a nighttime watch to patrol the block and “make sure no one was prowling around” (38). Another neighbor offered Mr. Bridges a new job.