Eight black living legends who inspired the world

Ruby Bridges

At a time when America was starting to break down the segregation policies in its institutions, a young girl would face the brunt of being the first black child to attend an all-white school in 1960. Her name is Ruby Bridges and she was just six years old at the time.

She is an American civil rights legend and a lifelong activist for racial equality. She established The Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and create change through education. In 2000, she was made an honorary deputy marshal in a ceremony in Washington, DC.

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Her experience inspired a famous painting by American artist Norman Rockwell, which was placed at the White House by then-President Barack Obama.

Over the years, 65-year-old Bridges has dedicated her life to promoting tolerance and unity. During the recent civil unrest, she wrote on Instagram that “it’s crucial we stand united to protect Black & Brown lives!”