Little Civil Rights Pioneer Reunites With US Marshal Who Protected Her

In November 1960, when Ruby Bridges became the first African-American student to integrate a white Louisiana elementary school, Charles Burks was one of four federal marshals who escorted her to William Frantz Elementary School as an angry crowd stood outside.

Bridges, who is now 58, reunited Thursday with Burks, 91, for a special conversation about the historic moment, which was filmed for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis permanent exhibit called “The Power of Children.” Burks is the only marshal who is still alive.

She told Burks:

Thank you Charlie for doing what was right at a time when it might not have been the easiest thing to do.

Burks said escorting Bridges to school was a highlight of his life, adding that he supported the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that struck down segregation in public schools. Bridges was in first-grade when she started attending William Frantz Elementary School on Nov. 14, 1960, as the court-ordered integration of public schools began in New Orleans.

It was a privilege to be able to do what I did, even though it was one of my duties. Everybody says it was just another job to do, but it was a wonderful job.

Bridges said she didn’t realize at the time the role she was playing in helping end segregation because her parents had not explained everything that was happening. She thought the loud crowds that gathered daily outside the school were taking part some sort of parade, such as Mardis Gras, and they didn’t frighten her.

Burks and the other marshals escorted the young Bridges to and from school for several weeks before local police took over that duty. Eventually the crowds dispersed and she no longer needed protection.

Bridges said was happy she got to meet again with Burks to discuss their shared experience and record their memories for the museum’s exhibit, which also highlights the lives of Anne Frank and Ryan White.

She said she hopes the exhibit can help children understand both U.S. history and the civil rights movement’s victories and the work that still remains to overcome the nation’s legacy of racism.