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William T. Frantz Elementary, Ruby Bridges, and the Desegregation of Schools

William T. Frantz Elementary, Ruby Bridges, and the Desegregation of Schools

Melissa Woelflein
November 14th, 1960 at a time when racial tensions were arguably at an all-time-high, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges bravely walked up the steps of William T. Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, LA. At that moment, Ruby became the first Black student to desegregate the all-white school.

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black history month civil rights elementary school ruby bridges
William T. Frantz Elementary, Ruby Bridges, and the Desegregation of Schools

Cheyney University: The First HBCU

Melissa W.
We’re at the end of Black History month and have really enjoyed learning about and sharing Black-centered campus organizations and colleges throughout February. We figured, what better way to round out the month than by highlighting the first ever school to form Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)?!

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academia black history month cheyney university hbcu historically black college and university history university
William T. Frantz Elementary, Ruby Bridges, and the Desegregation of Schools

The National Association of African American Honors Programs

Melissa W.
A nationwide organization focused on lifting up and celebrating Black students through networking opportunities, scholarships, social justice initiatives, quiz bowls, and talent competitions -- NAAAHP has it all!

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black history month hbcu honors naaahp national association of african american honors programs
William T. Frantz Elementary, Ruby Bridges, and the Desegregation of Schools

The History of HBCUs

Melissa W.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established before 1964 for the sole purpose of academically serving African American students. Previous to their existence, and during segregation in the United States, Black students were largely prevented from receiving higher education due to racial discrimination, with the majority of colleges catering predominately to white students and disqualifying the majority of Black students from attending.

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academics black history month campus community hbcu higher education historically black college and university history