6 Chapter 6- Ruby’s First White Teacher

Ruby Meets Her New Teacher

Marshals drove Ruby and her mother to school on the first day. It was November 14th, 1960 and Ruby was just 6 years old. When they arrived, there was a large crowd of people outside the school. The people outside were angry and mean. They yelled at Ruby. They did not want black children at their school. Ruby’s mother said to ignore them.

Inside, Ruby met her new teacher, Mrs. Henry. She was young and white. Mrs. Henry was from the North. She moved from Boston to New Orleans. Ruby had never known a white person before. She felt nervous.

Mrs. Henry took Ruby upstairs. It was quiet. The other students were not there.

Ruby and Mrs. Henry spent the day together. Ruby could not eat in the cafeteria or play outside for recess. So, they stayed in the room the whole day. The Marshals even had to walk Ruby to the bathroom.

Ruby’s mother was with her on the first day. But the next day, Ruby went alone. Her mother said, “The marshals will look after you. Be brave.”

Ruby cried but soon she went to school by herself.