school Ruby Bridges integrated in 1960 is in the 9th ward of New Orleans

[bobbieinok]

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2005-05-17/news_feat2.html

....

The final result will be a top-notch facility complete with a civil rights archive and museum, a state-of-the-art playground, and a world-class library for parents, students and citizens, Shroyer says. 'In the year 2010, the 50th anniversary of integration of Frantz, students will return to that campus, as a City-Wide Access (CWAS) school,' Shroyer says.

Ruby Bridges Hall has for years made regular stops at Frantz with special visits on 'Ruby Bridges Day,' which the school celebrates each year on Nov. 14. She maintains a busy travel schedule, visiting schools across the nation for the foundation. She was out of town last week, and could not be reached for comment by press time.

Shroyer emphasizes that a diverse student body is as important as a restored building. In 1960, he notes, the school had a 100 percent white enrollment. Today, its student body is entirely black. 'We believe it can be re-integrated, and that is Ruby's highest hope,' he says. 'Because her life is dedicated to bridging these divides between races.' Neighbors and students already understand her bravery and what it stood for, says Orrill. That's why, she says, William Frantz Elementary has remained a source of pride even as the building fell victim to termite infestation and years of deferred maintenance. "Ruby's story is part of the bones of that school; it's part of the spirit of that school and that community. It means a lot to a lot of people."