Civil rights icon meets marshal who protected her
By RICK CALLAHAN Associated Press September 5, 2013 2:46PM
Ruby Bridges, right, who integrated Louisiana schools in 1960 under escort from U.S. Marshals, meets with Charles Burks, 91, who was one of those marshals at the Indianapolis Children's Museum in Indianapolis, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. The two filmed a video to share their experience with children. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges is praising a now 91-year-old former federal marshal for escorting her more than a half-century ago to and from a previously all-white elementary school as she helped end segregation in New Orleans’ public schools.
Bridges met Thursday with Logansport resident Charles Burks, who was one of four federal marshals who escorted her as a 6-year-old past angry, racist crowds in 1960.
The pair had a private, filmed meeting at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis that will become part of its exhibit called “The Power of Children.”
Burks told reporters afterward he was glad to do his duty by protecting Bridges.
Bridges says she didn’t realize for years her important role in helping end segregation and thought at the time the crowds were in a parade.
