Black Wax Museum Young Civil Rights Advocates

Black Wax Museum

Young Civil Rights Advocates at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum

One of the most powerful images from the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is that of two young children standing behind a sign that reads "We are not afraid." Behind them stands a tall figure hooded in the sinister white costume of the Ku Klux Klan. The photos that serve as the backdrop to this display show how African-Americans had to fight for basic rights that were already enjoyed by whites. The children are a sad reminder that racial prejudice was directed towards people of all ages, no matter how innocent they were. The children's sign is a reminder that African-Americans showed courage in the face of prejudice, and even children took bold steps to secure their rights and the rights of others.

In the display, the children appear to be of elementary school age. They are dressed as if going to school in the 1950s or 1960s. The little boy is dressed in a suit and tie with a crisp white shirt. The little girl has long, neatly braided hair. She wears a navy dress with wide white collar and dainty plaid bow tie. The boy is standing with the sign around his neck. The girl stretches one hand forward, perhaps to appeal for the right to attend school. Perhaps it is a gesture of self-protection against a crowd of photographers or protesters.

The tableau suggests the story of Ruby Bridges, who was the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school. The date was 1960; the place was New Orleans. Ruby had been born in Mississippi, where life was hard. Her grandparents had been sharecroppers. Ruby's parents heard there were better job opportunities in the city, so they moved their young family.

Ruby's world was initially very small, even after the move to the city. The family lived in an all-black neighborhood. They attended church there and Ruby went to kindergarten at an all-black school. By federal order, New Orleans was finally forced to desegregate. In order to select students who would attend the white school, kindergarteners were given a test. Ruby was one of the students selected. Although Ruby's father did not believe there would ever be any change, Ruby's mother was excited about the opportunity for her daughter. She wanted Ruby to get a better education. She also knew that Ruby would be taking a big step not only for herself and her siblings, but for black children everywhere.

One November 14, 1960, Ruby went to William Frantz Elementary School for the first time, escorted by federal marshals. Of the six children selected to participate in the initial desegregation, two decided to remain in their all-black schools. The remaining three children were assigned to other schools. Ruby spent the first day in the principal's office as whites shouted outside. A number of parents pulled their children from the school. When Ruby was finally shown to her classroom later in the week, she was alone with Mrs. Henry, her teacher, who remained with her for the year. No other children came to that class.

It is hard to imagine how a little girl must have felt. As a result of Ruby's school attendance, her father lost his job. A local grocery store, owned by whites, told the Bridges family they were not welcome to shop there. When word reached Mississippi of what Ruby was doing, her grandparents were asked to move from the farm where they lived for twenty-five for which she stood. Yet, with the support of her mother and her teacher, Ruby stayed in school, lighting the way for other African-American children in a new and changing south.