Barbara Henry, A civil rights crusader

In February 2017, Kiwanis magazine published an interview with Ruby Bridges (www.kiwanismagazine.org/2017/01/11/a-purposeful-life/), who made history when she became the first African-American child to integrate a public school in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960. Bridges continues to share her story as a champion of equality and to remind others about the indelible impact they can have on the lives of children. Kiwanis International awarded her with the 2017 Humanitarian Award for her Courage to Inspire. In addition, Kiwanis gave a Humanitarian Award for the Courage to Care to the person who inspired Bridges and left an important positive impact in her life: her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry. This is her story, in her own words.

[@Bananadiva1]

There are only 2 words that adequately describe Barbara Henry .... Icon and pioneer! What a woman. A truly unforgettable civil rights legend.

[@AlluretheGOAT]

I am an elementary teacher. This story has impacted my life because I teach this every year. My daughter is named Ruby, so it is close to my heart. Kindness, grace, bravery, understanding, care, love. She is the perfect teacher.

[@GenevieveThornton]

Your students are blessed to have you there to help support their growing minds!

[@e0n555]

6:47 Barbara Henry describes seeing Ruby for the first time with the most beautiful words. I am weeping. 💗

[@KingD-light]

She was a God send. Bless her. Thank God she's alive to tell the story.

[@jfjc5694]

Amen 🙏

[@comsooo32]

Amen 🙏

[@nyrasakiilu4347]

This is why she aged beautifully! She have such a beautiful heart ❤️

[@oniyonkuru]

Absolutely

[@isadoramartinez6050]

So courageous, both teacher and student

[@KeifusMathews3]

Thank you, Barbara, the story could not be told without you! God Bless You

[@Justbarbara.B]

I just wonder how those other teachers are at this moment. Are they proud of themselves? Do they still have the same hatred and prejudice in their hearts? Thank you Mrs. Barbara Henry for being on the right side of history. Thank you for the kindness in your heart.

[@craigfowler7098]

To be fair some of them may have been frightened of the racist mob. White parents who sent their kids to school were also harassed and threatened.

[@afa78djd]

You can't really remove hate from people's hearts, you can only silence it momentarily. It's sad.

[@monica62888]

​@afa78djd idk, I've seen many people that were formerly racist to have a change of heart

[@ursulareeg1171]

❤Love this woman. Guts she had. Barbara Henry, you're such an inspiration of what good and right is.

[@KGeNX]

This lady will have a beautiful place in heaven for showing the child as much love as she did

[@TheTardisDreamer]

This made me teary, not going to lie. Though it acts as a warning too, that the past isn't that far away. And issues such as racism still permeate society today. It's not ancient history at all. Also, great teachers stick with you for life. A teacher, Mrs Chrysostomou, in primary school knew I came from a struggling single-parent family (I went to school in a wealthier area so I stuck out) and saw I was wearing shirts that were threadbare and didn't fit me. So one day she called me out of class, took me straight down to the uniform shop, and bought me well over a $100 in uniforms out of her own money. Made no big deal out of it. Never even mentioned it again. Might seem like nothing to a lot of people, but that may as well have been Christmas come early for me. For the rest of primary school, I would plan every week which days I would wear my new shirts. I felt so proud to wear them. Just to fit in with my peers, and to feel comfortable in my own skin. And as a 23-year-old, I would still put it down as one of the nicest things someone ever did for me. I never got to thank her properly for it. Teachers are important.

[@e0n555]

I hope you get a chance to be someone’s Mrs Chrysostomou . 💗

[@isadoramartinez6050]

Oh my God, this story made me cry, this really touched me. It's hard to believe this whole situation happened so recently.

[@Somebodysmother_]

I cant stop crying 😪..insane that it wasnt long ago, I agree

[@linneajohnson6022]

Thank god for people like Mrs. Henry. Bold, courageous, and tender. Ruby is incredibly brave and special too.

[@Comedy1challenges]

Thank you for being so kind to Ruby

[@tatiananichols2030]

The way she expresses about Ruby 🥺❤️

[@yskim1800]

Her courage, dedication, and persistence amaze me. She is definitely one of the greatest teachers all time.

[@Redro1982]

I want to meet her, I watched so many times tearfully, is there a public speaking event or book event because she has totally touched my heart, and that goes for Ruby and Barbara🙌🏽🙏🏽💯

[@ashthompson2968]

The five people that thumbs'd this down are messed up!!!

[@dyfortallforstall5639]

I cannot even begin to imagine the reason for their objections. Quite startling.

[@nyrasakiilu4347]

Now 8 smh

[@tiktokroyalty4778]

@@nyrasakiilu4347 now 11 people are just ugh

[@adrianthompson5011]

@@tiktokroyalty4778 Now 16. Sad....

[@lilactuliee6953]

@Ash Thompson it could be the terrorists in the crowd that day or their children and grandchildren. Most of these diabolical people are all still here.

[@Jess3965]

Wow the way she described Ruby made me cry. Truly an angel on earth sent by God at the right time! God bless this woman always.

[@jwilson4568]

I am so glad to hear from Ms. Henry. Thank God for her.💜

[@Roseforres]

She allowed God to use her. She is a courageous and loving woman. Blessings to her entire family for generations to come.

[@berrybestfarmer9614]

Beautiful. Thank you Mrs. Henry for being a shining light.

[@glauciaramos6332]

Some people tell about God's love, others show it :D Mrs. Barbara is such a brave lady who made a difference :D Greetings from Brazil :D May Jesus bless and keep this lovely lady and her family

[@1SweetQ]

This story is so needed!! I'm grateful it is being told. I live in New Orleans and have all my life. This is my history. My mother is 72, I am 38. This happened 23 years before I was born!

[@chaplaintaylor2327]

I thank God, for Mrs. Henry, may God be with her for her bravery, and duty first attitude that God placed her in for such a time as this!

[@daniesza]

What a beautiful teacher. How lucky Ruby was. How courageous both.

[@teresawicks-kq3bq]

NO, HOW "BLESSED" SHE WAS FOR GOD TO PUT MRS. HENRY THERE FOR HER!! THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER!! ; )

[@lusantini6985]

At some point she calls her "my child" how moving : ) I love that story

[@LiveLaughCheer15]

9:06 😭

[@DubBeats]

Thank god that she was her teacher...

[@DubBeats]

I think she say because her child is special don’t matter the race...

[@cj8803]

Oh God, what a wonderful teacher and woman! She knew Ruby was an innocent child and just wanted an education like everyone else! Much respect to her forever for being sweet, kind, and good to Ruby!

[@njorogegitomeh9338]

Thank you so much Mrs Henry. We are forever grateful. Accept our thanks

[@keenday2382]

I can't believe that this happened.. 😭 😫 that poor little girl people can be so mean I guess forgiveness is the key to let go of the pain... your a hero.. Ruby was so lucky to have you...

[@cryptogirliebtc3987]

I’m just glad that she was there for Ruby and not an evil teacher pretending just to get the job

[@rafaelgomez1989]

SHE WAS SO COURAGEOUS as RUBY was...they both CHANGED the WORLD IMMENSELY...love when at a point she says "me and my child" how could it not had been ...GROUNDBREAKING ? !!!!!

[@craigfowler7098]

Shout out to both Ruby ans Barbara. Although this happened over sixty years ago, they are both still alive as living legends of history.

[@Kozypink_]

This woman is a hero she stood up for ruby

[@eminavampire]

It's a pleasure listening to her!

[@deborahbethel1883]

This should be viewed by millions. instead, look at the views. Ruby's story with her teacher should be part of all schools curriculum. Children/schools are powerful change agents. It is so messed up from the TOP. There is still a whole lot of work to be done.

[@kamikazemind327]

Teachers are some of the most compassionate amazing people. I always support teachers. Her story is so profound and amazing. Thank you Mrs Henry for your beautiful heart during such a terrible time! From a New Orleanian 💜

[@jfjc5694]

Back then yes 🙌. Now the Democrats are indoctrinating the kids nowadays with their sickening narrative with their political correctness crap. They’re not teaching basic subjects. They’ve taken out cursive writing ✍️, economics, History, and other important subjects. www.rd.com/list/5-classes-you-took-that-your-kids-wont/ nypost.com/2017/01/22/why-schools-have-stopped-teaching-american-history/

[@michelerenem]

@@jfjc5694 seriously? That's what you got out of this? That tin foil hat looks really good on you. LOL

[@R9m54LZX]

Mrs. Henry, thank you for your courage and compassion. I attended DoDEA schools as a child and never endured the hardships that Ruby went through at about the same time (early 60's). You remind me of all the fantastic teachers I had while growing up in Italy, Germany, and Taiwan. Teachers just like you made me a better person.

[@Coronadoman]

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

[@collinsagyeman2896]

Thank you Barbara.

[@haroldbowles5308]

Brave and compassionate women

[@henrydavis9953]

❤❤An awesome human. Thanks

[@fitnessrich9089]

So emotional, what a loving and courageous woman

[@gandolph999]

Ms. Henry is a global treasure. The world is better for her presence in it. One also cannot underestimated the power of a teacher. Thank you, Mrs. Henry.

[@addis1395]

All teachers should have the heart of this teacher and love the children irrespective of their skin color

[@BillyTaves]

God bless, this touched me

[@el.c.8858]

she’s a queen for this

[@attackonpieck2789]

She really is

[@EasyMusicBeats]

What’s beautiful and inspiring true story.

[@melissadurante1450]

This had me in tears

[@tsehayhubechissa3790]

This story make me really cry.may God bless you you’re the best teacher ever. You will received your rewards from God.

[@pedrorisco183]

I love this lady. Your exemplary heroism and passion for education and children are just incredible. I love you..!

[@MamaGOf3]

Such pride and purpose from Mrs. Henry, an angel sent from heaven. God Bless you!

[@bellareana3226]

I'm literally crying 😢

[@Elyjah1982]

3:55 A woman carrying her child while insulting another one just look at the face of this innocent white baby and i can tell everyone here this mother was teaching him how to be racist so that's why i don't hate racist people 'cause i know they weren't born racist they learnt to be racist .

[@00inwiththenew00]

That's a load of crap... after a certain point when you become an adult - YOU are responsible for making your own beliefs and questioning your actions. Not holding people accountable is enabling them.

[@maddyedits01]

But it's too hard to unlearn such things...

[@dynishaspalding220]

@@00inwiththenew00 b1 hgv Km

[@dereckamcknight3247]

@@00inwiththenew00 exactly!

[@aleahrose9777]

She really helped all the Ruby Bridges

[@brettshepherd5240]

Here I am..bawling

[@Renee_nf094e]

Me too. 😢

[@cheriesmith9263]

This story is so touching!

[@martasila4172]

May God bless her and her generation.

[@ilariacorda]

This woman is amazing, bless her!

[@MaxMafikengBoy]

Grownups hurling racial epithets at a 5 year old child??..wicked hearts

[@DubBeats]

During that time they didn’t care you was a child are teenagers are you young adults they see black they see us not them never will be them but love this teacher she accepted ruby...

[@kimlyman3639]

ya

[@marikiemarie7622]

Wicked is a great word. Thats it ...wicked

[@deborahlynn6432]

So horrible!

[@yeldarleumas1847]

Here in the UK an elderly Middle-class White man hurling abuse at an elderly Black lady. I'm going to FUCK HIM UP!

[@jaykim6734]

Thank you , Mrs. Henry!!

[@latoyawinston1007]

this really touched my heart i cried

[@purplewildflower]

I always cry over this story. Such an amazing woman! ♥♥♥

[@erikathoreson5786]

Incredible women

[@malikamalik6393]

elle mérite tout le respect, cette merveilleuse institutrice

[@lindagiovannazambanini6218]

Wow, what a great and heartwarming story! I had no idea that when Ruby Bridges integrated the school she wasn't immediately in a classroom with other children - white children - but only with a lone white teacher! I'm glad she was eventually in class with several other white children. This teacher is just awesome! I wonder if she is still alive?I know Ruby Bridges is still alive. Those evil, deplorable, bigots outside the school - how could any human being be so hateful to a little child? They were/are the lowest of the low! Addendum: I just went searching for Barbara Henry and happily found she has her own wiki page and is alive and 88 yrs old now. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Henry

[@christinalynn8143]

She seems sweet. Good for her!!! Having taken up a cause and making something of it. May God bless her family, friends, community through her example, continue to.

[@ProblematicBitch]

wow i have tears in my eyes, god bless ruby and god bless this lady

[@gucciysl]

This made my heart cry

[@evadnewilkinson3148]

Beautiful. God continues to bless both of them. Love triumphs over hate, always.

[@GodsView1]

Brilliant, emotional experience.

[@te9452]

Can you guys do an interview with the kids in that photo next to Ruby too? ❤

[@SylviaMunson-p4b]

This lady is a hero, an angel💕💕💕😍😍😍

[@misspeacelove7395]

Good teachers are so valuable. If there´s one profession that needs a higher pay teaching is that

[@sugars396]

This made me cry

[@makhoudiallo1]

I dont know how a normal human being can hate a child.

[@ufonious747]

This. One of the most amazing stories I’ve ever heard. I would love to know what happened to the other 4 kids that came to join the class. I wonder if their lives are impacted by these events

[@peggyokelly2118]

MY GOD, MY GOD TO AN INNOCENT CHILD OF GOD IN AMERICA

[@PaulPhoenixxx]

Nothing but respect ✊🏾

[@jfjc5694]

Mrs Henry you’re awesome 👏🏼

[@neilrulz24]

Let’s go Mrs Henry 🎉!!

[@Jls79773]

An angel on earth 🥰❤️

[@jackelinevelasquez4562]

Omg god bless her and hope she goes to heaven and she so so nice god bless you

[@Ldntv1234]

Wow! What a story! This is just amazing.

[@buho6611]

Blessed her heart ❤️.

[@nicfewer8393]

A TRUE Christian.

[@Saabjock]

A great woman.

[@KushBoss340]

God bless her heart

[@peggyokelly2118]

For the Grace of God

[@joeguajardo5092]

What a great lady ❤️

[@deborahlynn6432]

Love this woman!

[@kimlyman3639]

ever body who disk like this has no hart this is the best women who ever tech a class hand donwn

[@armandobenitez6706]

She awesome

[@a.alegates641]

this was beautiful!!

[@meghanrose830]

Ms henry i cant belove you are so nice I have read a comic about this But umm ruby why would she starve her self You are so nice you would share some food with her!

[@gpeddino]

*standing ovation*

[@user-qq2pi3jl2h]

Ruby she became a famous people

[@ilirvlora624]

She its for nobel price

[@tishapink19]

Inspiring

[@peggyokelly2118]

It took that long to find each other...