Little black girl
Smartly dressed in white
Beginning first grade in New Orleans
Who is Ruby Bridges?

The Problem We All Live With, Norman Rockwell, 1964. Oil on canvas, 36″ x 58″ Story illustration for Look magazine, January 14, 1964. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum
Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl, is pictured on her first day of class at the William Frantz School in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Clutching school supplies and clad in a [starchy] white dress, Bridges looks like any other student starting the first grade. What surrounds the young girl, however, is not typical. Flanked by US Marshals and strolling before a wall covered in racial graffiti and a recently thrown tomato, it is clear that Bridges’ experience is exceptional—and prompted by politics.
Following the 1954 Brown V. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, Bridges was one of a few students selected to start the desegregation process in New Orleans. Bridges was the only one of these children sent to William Frantz School. While her walk to the institution’s front doors was marred by a violent mob, Bridges did not buckle under pressure. In fact, “she showed a lot of courage,” Charles Burks, one of her Marshal escorts, said. “She never cried. She didn’t whimper. She just marched along like a little soldier, and we’re all very, very proud of her.”
Ruby Bridges in 2011

Ruby Bridges in front of her portrait
Bridges, however, attributes her mature handling of the situation not to bravery, but to childhood innocence. In 2011, she explained: “The girl in that painting at six years old knew absolutely nothing about racism—I was going to school that day. So every time I see that, I think about the fact that I was an innocent child that knew absolutely nothing about what was happening that day.”
Ruby Bridges Visits the White House
YOUTUBE Ruby at White House with Obama
Norman Rockwell, the Iconoclast?

Freedom from Want 1943 – Four Freedoms Series
Norman Rockwell: Courtesy Wikipedia
Renowned artist of twentieth-century nostalgic paintings, Rockwell also expressed his indignation at inequities in the American social system with his art. While there is certainly nothing wrong about portraying such classic scenes of Americana, paintings in this post are a stark departure from the jubilant, white faces around a table festooned with a Thanksgiving turkey, or a white boy finding his dad’s Santa suit stuffed into a dresser drawer.
The Back Story: The Painting of Ruby Bridges
Rockwell’s first assignment for Look magazine was an illustration of six-year-old Ruby Bridges.
Letters to the editor were a mix of praise and criticism. One Florida reader wrote, “Rockwell’s picture is worth a thousand words…I am saving this issue for my children with the hope that by the time they become old enough to comprehend its meaning, the subject matter will have become history.” Other readers objected to Rockwell’s image. A man from Texas wrote “Just where does Norman Rockwell live? Just where does your editor live? Probably both of these men live in all-white, highly expensive, highly exclusive neighborhoods. Oh what hypocrites all of you are!” … But irate opinions did not stop Rockwell from pursing his course. In 1965, he illustrated the murder of civil rights workers in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Then, in 1967, Rockwell chose children, once again, to illustrate desegregation, this time in American suburbs.

New Kids in the Neighborhood, Norman Rockwell, illustration for Look magazine, 1967.
In an interview later in his life, Rockwell recalled that he once had to paint out an African-American person in a group picture since The Saturday Evening Post dictated showing African-Americans in service industry jobs only. Freed from such restraints, Rockwell seemed to look for opportunities to correct the editorial prejudices reflected in his precious work. The Problem We All Live with and Murder in Mississippi ushered in that new era for Rockwell.
“. . . and a little child shall lead them.” ~ Isaiah 11:6b
Are you familiar with either of these Rockwell paintings?
What other statements about social justice do you see implied here?
Do you have first-hand (or observed) experience with racial prejudice or other bias?
While I’ve certainly heard of Ruby Bridges, I’ve never read the book, and did not know that was Norman Rockwell’s first painting for a Saturday Evening Post cover. I also didn’t know Saturday Evening Post “dictated showing African-Americans in service industry jobs only.” Wow, we have come a long way, but have a long way to go. I know you also believe God loves us all and wants us to love each other too. Thanks for this piece to help us think about these things–and do better!
I’m glad this post was enlightening to you, as it was to me, doing the research. You are right about my beliefs about God, race, and cooperation. You are numero uno commenter today. Yay, Melodie!
Bridges comment about that day reinforces my belief that adults can learn a lot by watching and listening to children. One of my favorite works by Rockwell is Saying Grace. You might be familiar with that piece given the inspiration behind it.
Thanks for mentioning another Rockwell painting, a young boy saying grace in a restaurant: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saying_Grace_(Rockwell)
Yes, I’ve seen it before, but it reinforces the message of children leading the way. Rockwell was certainly a wise one! Appreciate your stopping by to comment on the busy days leading up to your book launch, Jill!
These two powerful paintings, and Ruby Bridges’ life story, are a wonderful way to illustrate “the problem we all live with.” Thank you, Marian, for challenging us with these images, which are all-too relevant today. Many of us have been blind to the structures which make schooling and housing so unequal depending on race. We must do better. The book Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a real eye-opener.
I remember gasping (at least inwardly) when I saw Dr. Henry Louis Gates being arrested while inserting a key into the door of his own home. Just recently, I observed a panel of highly educated, multi-racial women discussing racism on TBN, women whose ancestry harks from all over the world. Only Black-American women commented that they worried that “my son (husband or brother) might not come home tonight.”
Such discrimination is so very wrong. That’s why we keep denouncing it!
Thanks for your thoughts and for adding another provocative title here, Shirley.
I love this painting and the story behind it. It was lovely to see the adult Ruby and President Obama!
I’m glad you enjoyed this. Thank you, Darlene!
I know of both of these Rockwell paintings. They are powerful in the ways in which they convey the realities of the times. But they also seem rather innocent, too. As with all things associated with racism, there is complexity immediately underneath the surface.
I appreciate your pointing out the complexity and nuances associated with the times, the 1960s and now. It is not an easy topic but it definitely deserves attention. Thanks, Ally!
Good morning, Marian! I know the paintings, and I remember Ruby Bridges visiting the Obamas at the White House. Such a contrast we have now. I think what Ally Bean said is true, in that the paintings seem innocent, but that there is a lot of complexity to the issue of racism (and many other things). We recently watched The Hate U Give, which is fictional movie, but it explores the complexity and nuances of racism.
I’m not surprised you are “in the know” about the paintings, Merril. Thanks for adding the movie title too. Is it on Netflix?
No. We saw it on Amazon Prime, but I think it might be on some other platforms.
🙂
Beautiful post, Marian! I love Norman Rockwell’s work! He usually expressed the dignity and worth of the people he painted. I can’t help thinking of Mr. Rogers and a specific episode on his show where he tackled the subject of racism without any fanfare. But the way he did it was so powerful.
Yes, I have first-hand experience of racial hatred and also gender bias. Hate of any kind is demoralizing, but not just to the person who experiences it but also to the person who expresses it even if he/she doesn’t admit it.
L. Marie, thank you for reminding me of Mr. Rogers’ illustration on the show. I believe I remember one scene which involved putting feet in the water, a sort of foot-washing ceremony showing solidarity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7bYNJPfzaU
Like you, I believe in the law of sowing and reaping. Those who sow hate will receive it in return. The same thing goes for spreading kindness. I am sorry you have experienced racial hatred; I believe I may be a victim of age bias at times, which is very hard to prove. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. ((( )))
Thank you for this post, Marian. I do not recognize the modern day Ruby Briggs photo. How powerful it is. And I’m especially moved by your statement, NR “expressed his indignation at inequities in the American social system with his art.” I’d always thought of NR as an artist in the conservative, establishment mold. Americana with no blemishes and certainly no inequities. It was gratifying to acknowledge this other part of his work. And thank you for keeping this topic front and center. The times they are a changn’’
I too viewed Rockwell as a talented artist who documented white America in a sentimental style. Wow – doing the research for this post certainly disabused me of that notion. Even though we make two steps forward and one step back (or, the other way around) as a nation we have come a long way from the 1960s, at least in education. Thanks for weighing in on this timely topic, Janet.
That is such a powerful and sad picture! Although a lot has been achieved in the fight against racism since, we are not out of the woods yet, it seems. All life matters, but sadly, there are still quite a few ignorant and prejudiced individuals round.
I agree, Fatima, and so we keep shouting out the GOOD. Thanks for joining in here!
👍❤
One of the qualities I most appreciated about the children I taught is how many of them had the same view of the world and their surroundings as Ruby Bridges. Young children don’t see color. They just want to be friends. How sad that they are taught prejudice, ignorance, and tribalism by those who are supposed to be setting a good example!
Pete, you have many years experience documenting the innocence of children and their capacity to love. I am sure these students learned acceptance and appreciation in your classroom. Thanks for commenting today!
Wonderful post, Marian, and so relevant to where we are in this country today. Thank you for adding to the conversation we all need to having in order to bring true equality to our land.
Thank you, Joan. We won’t quit engaging in conversation, even with those of opposing viewpoints. Listening to each other is the first step. I’m with you on the relevance of this topic, for sure!
Although not race related, my experience is “prejudice” related. I had to walk into a classroom where I didn’t understand a word, but I could feel the attitude toward someone “different”. That was bad enough. As soon as I learned the language and the customs I was okay. I can’t imagine having to live with that kind of judgement every day because of something you can’t change. Hardy and I love Norman Rockwell’s paintings. Thank you for this post.
Elfrieda, you had the courage and ability to learn the language so you could eventually fit in to the prevailing culture better. As we know, our skin color or family background is a “given,” what we can’t change.
I remember feeling different because of my prayer veiling. Although 4-5 other students in high school were plain, I was alone in my “track” of classes, the academic. I don’t ever remember being teased or berated; it was a feeling that stemmed from my own knowledge of being different, my own insecurities. I’m glad you and Hardy both enjoy Rockwell. Until I researched this post, I was not aware of any paintings other than the nostalgic ones that appeared on calendars and in magazines of the 1960s and 1970s. Thanks for adding your experience here, so valuable.
Thanks for this post Marian. I do know of these paintings and the story of Ruby Bridges. Good on Rockwell for using his art to portray what is necessary to portray. Children don’t have prejudices unless they are taught them or become conditioned to them. We have load shedding right now so I won’t watch the youtube clip now. Using a lamp at my desk while computer is running low ..
Thanks heaps for commenting here, Susan, even with low computer power. I am happy so many readers here are familiar with these particular works by Rockwell. Though prejudice still exists in our country, at least magazines like Life or Look (now probably defunct) would excoriate someone who showed racial bias these days. 🙂
I have visited the Norman Rockwell museum in western Massachusetts several times. His illustrations leave an indelible mark on anyone who views them, in my mind. They are clear and yet subtle in their messages. The disturbing thing I discovered was that his ‘critics’ put Rockwell down for “just being an illustrator” and “not really a painter.” Could not be further form the truth. Rockwell and his art were/are works of genius, and certainly have withstood the test of time. I have not experienced racism, just sexism (and now, ageism). None of these ‘isms’ show off the loving part of humanity – in fact, they show cowardice, insecurity and ignorance. May we fight to erase “isms” and treat each other equally. xo
Wheee! A comment from an eyewitness. I do know that Rockwell had to contend with the demeaning comment of being “just an illustrator” to which I reply, “And WHAT an artist!”
Your declaration resonates with me, Pam: “May we fight to erase ‘isms’ and treat each other equally,” as God intended. Thanks! 🙂
<3
Marian, those two paintings evoke such a powerful message. In some ways, we’ve come a long way yet we still have a way to go with race relations. Thanks for your thought provoking post.
Thanks for the affirmation here, Kathy. I noticed your tweet too, thank you. You are so good with Twitter. I agree, we’ve come a long way yet we still have a way to go with race relations.
On another note, I hope you are getting stronger every day. ((( )))
Wonderful to see Norman Rockwell’s illustrations, Marian! <3 A powerful post and message.
Thanks, Bette. I like to honor the talented, the good, and the brave, as you do also. 🙂
Powerful photos Marian. Good time to revisit the Rockwell paintngs, so very current. 🙂
The battle for equality still rages, in this century with different players. I have to think, though, that we are making tiny bits of progress. I’m glad you found the post meaningful, Debby. 🙂
I agree Marian, I see many awakening. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this, Marian. I enjoyed looking at these Norman Rockwell paintings. It’s good to study our history, especially in these times.
Thanks for your comment Too bad we have to re-learn lessons of the past. I’m glad you found this post relevant, Barbara. 😀
So much bravery in one so young! An inspiration.
Yes, that incident happened over 50 years ago, and it inspires us still. Thanks, Fiona!
Not paintings I am familiar with, Marian I find them rather poignant …Isms were mentioned in the comments and we surely need to be aware and try to eliminate them from society…a long way to go…I watched the film the hate U give and it highlighted racism both conscious and unconscious as many people still don’t realise how their actions or words impact on society…A good and thought proving post on a subject which is very current.
Carol, thanks for joining in here. Merril, above, mentioned The Hate U Give and I think I can find it on Amazon Prime. We have to keep denouncing hate when we see it and replace it by spreading love and kindness. 🙂
I down loaded it from Torrent Day …a free download….you are absolutely correct we do need to spread love and kindness where we can, Marian 🙂
Thanks for the tip, Carol.
Invite only but I have a spare invite if you want one.. Its a boon for me living here… as live streaming generally just buffers all the time..
Thanks, Carol, for the offer, but I think I can get it from Amazon Prime, which I already subscribe to.
No worries..
I have seen and love both these Rockwell paintings. The word Ruby Bridges used to describe herself as a little girl–innocence–I love that Rockwell used the innocence of children to make people think about what racism was, really, and who it was affecting.
Ah, good to see you here, Luci. I remember you lived in Boston for a short while. Perhaps that’s when you saw the paintings. So much has happened since then; I’ll have to see what you are up to these days. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
A timely, thoughtful and thought-provoking post, Marian. I had never heard of Ruby Bridges or Rockwell. I do really like the photo of recent-day Ruby posing in front of her six-year old alter ego. Very powerful!
There’s something to be said about the existence of white privilege. Even though I was never a racist and never will become one, I’m sure there have been thoughts and actions in my life that could have been more inclusive. When you’re used to a certain way of society and growing up, it can influence you negatively, while you don’t even realize it.
A quote that I like and keep reading in our neighborhood is “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” by MLK. I might have mentioned this before, but it’s powerful to me as well.
Thanks for all this, especially the reminder about the MLK quote, so true. I also picked up on your lines: ” When you’re used to a certain way of society and growing up, it can influence you negatively, while you don’t even realize it,” a great way to describe unconscious prejudice. Don’t work too hard and enjoy your weekend, Liesbet!
Such an important topic. Thank you, Marian. I grew up loving Rockwell covers on Saturday Evening Post–in my segregated community in Missouri. My parents and Grandparents loved Rockwell and many black musicians. They loved Eleanor Roosevelt standing up for Marian Anderson and the poor of any race. I knew the first two photos, but not the 3rd. When my parents moved the family to Michigan a few years before my dad died, my parents chose a segregated suburb. I was 12 and it was 1957. I wasn’t involved with the decision, but looking back I’m still disappointed by their choice. Rockwell put a gentle face on our quiet prejudices and violent national history.
I just watched Ken Burns’ The Roosevelts on PBS. In retrospect, they were so forward-thinking; our parents did the best they could, their history embedded in the Depression and then the War years.
You seem to find the perfect way to say something: “Rockwell put a gentle face on our quiet prejudices and violent national history.” Kinda like Mr. Rogers, gently but oh so forcefully.