| Ruby Bridges (the star of the show) | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Euzhan Palcy |
| Written by | Toni Ann Johnson |
| Starring | Chaz Monet Penelope Ann Miller Kevin Pollak Michael Beach |
| Release date(s) | January 18, 1998 |
| Language | English |
Ruby Bridges is a 1998 made-for-television movie.Written by Toni Ann Johnson about the true story of the first black student to attend integrated schools in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960. As a six-year old, Ruby Bridges was one of four black first graders, selected on the basis of test scores, to attend previously all-white public schools in New Orleans. Three students were sent to McDonogh 19, and Ruby was sent to William Frantz Public School by herself.
Though somewhat formulaic, the movie is a representation of what was a difficult part of New Orleans' history, and is representative of what the southern United States was undergoing during this era.
The film was nominated for several awards, including an NAACP Image award. The writer, Toni Ann Johnson, won the 1998 Humanitas Prize for her teleplay. The film also won The Christopher Award.