On this date 60 years ago, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black child to attend an all-White elementary school in Louisiana.

Ruby was one of six Black students who had passed a test qualifying them to attend all-white William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans. Two opted out and three decided to go to another school.

Ruby was escorted to school each day by four federal marshals while whites taunted and threatened her.

White students, parents and teachers boycotted the school at first. That entire first year, Ruby attended a class by herself. Only one teacher agreed to teach her.

Over time, the protests lessened and students returned. Still, the guards kept watch over Ruby.

Ruby’s walk to school would be painted by Norman Rockwell in a piece that would be published in Look magazine four years later.

Today, Ruby is 66 years old and is a travel agent in New Orleans. Movies have been made about her. She’s been honored by schools and by two presidents.