
Ruby Bridges: Inspiring resilience since 1960
From Dads on Books by Michael Walker & David Patrick
February 23, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 41
About this episode
Mike and David discuss the inspiring story of Ruby Bridges and its relevance to American history and race.
Mike and David are moved by the inspiring story of Ruby Bridges, a six year old, black girl who was integrated into New Orleans public schools in 1960. After David learned of her story through Fr. Mike’s (no relation) homily at his girls’ Catholic school, they decided to pick not one, but two books about Ruby Bridges to read and talk about: The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and Through My Eyes: Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges And talk they do. In an episode where they aren't as wacky or silly as they normally are, Mike and David talk about Ruby Bridges' story; American history and race; and their own experiences, perceptions, and thoughts on issues that are still relevant today. The episode features less laughing, and more thinking, a touch less of their silliness, and a handful of more seriousness. But, like all of their episodes, the Dads step up and show the power that books and what they teach really matters. Based on a true important event in the American civil rights movement, Mike and David talk for over an hour and decided this would be one long, thoughtful, thought provoking episode, talking about kids, books, heroes, history, and, so so much more! If you enjoy this…
People in this episode
Hosts: Mike, David
Topics covered
- Ruby Bridges
- American history
- race
- civil rights movement
- children's literature
- resilience
- education
Keywords
- Ruby Bridges
- civil rights
- American history
- children's books
- resilience
- education
- race
- history
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ruby Bridges Foundation
Books & works: The Story of Ruby Bridges, Through My Eyes: Ruby Bridges
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