5 Chapter 5 – Starting at a New School

After Ruby took the test and her parents agreed that she should go to the white school, they enrolled her in William Frantz Elementary. Ruby was to start first grade at William Frantz. But the politicians at the state capital, Baton Rouge, did not want black and white children together. They tried to slow things down.

Ruby had to go to back to Johnson Lockett Elementary School even though it was far away. It was only for black kids. Ruby’s mother told her it was fine, but things were changing.

The federal laws said schools must let all children learn together. But, some people, like Governor Jimmie H. Davis, did not like this. He tried to stop black children from going to white schools.

Federal Judge J. Skelly Wright said no. He wanted the schools to mix. He tried to make the schools follow the law. But the governor kept fighting.

Finally, in November, Ruby’s mother said Ruby would go to a new school. It was sudden. Ruby would start the next day. Her mother said there might be angry people. But Ruby did not have to be afraid.

That night, Ruby knew she would not go to Johnson Lockett anymore. She was going to William Frantz Public School. She was not happy. She liked her old school and friends.