WSU Black History Month Speaker: Ruby Bridges

This year, the Black History Month theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. To honor this we are happy to announce Ruby Bridges as our keynote speaker.

In a conversation-style interview with Dr. Nicola Corbin, tune in as we learn about having the courage to stand alone in the face of adversity and finding support and alliance in unexpected ways.

Note: The use of any recording devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, video cameras, or digital recorders is not permitted during Ms. Bridges Virtual Speaking Engagement.

————————————-
Register in advance for this webinar: https://weber.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wEGGdSb2QZyrLKmwqV52jA

Please submit questions at this link: https://weber.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezHhpmZGbhsYkcZ

————————————
More about Ruby Bridges:

Ruby’s amazing show of strength and courage has profoundly affected education in America today. Ruby Bridges was born in Mississippi in 1954, the same year the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision ordering the integration of public schools. Her parents decided to move to New Orleans because they heard of better opportunities in the city.

In 1960, when Ruby Bridges was only six years old, she became one of the first black children to integrate New Orleans’ all-white public school system. Greeted by an angry mob and escorted by federal marshals, Ruby bravely crossed the threshold of this school and into history single-handedly initiating the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools.

All of the white teachers, except for Mrs. Barbara Henry of Boston, refused to teach her. Ruby was her only student during the entire year as parents withdrew their children and boycotted the school. Angry protesters yelled at Ruby and held up intimidating signs and symbols as she walked into the building. Still, she held her head high as went to school every day never missing a day that whole year.

Her walk to the front door of William Frantz Elementary School was immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s infamous painting, “The Problem We All Live With”, in Robert Coles’ The Story of Ruby Bridges, and in the Disney movie Ruby Bridges. In addition, she has published her own award-winning version of her story, Through My Eyes.