By james art 
February 19, 2025
The civil right icon thinks of her inheritance, education and activism
By Saken Stimpson
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington Public Library continued its series of monthly month of black history with CookingWith the participation of an unforgettable conversation with the civil rights icon Ruby Bridges on Tuesday night. Bridge, who made history as the first African American child to integrate the previous William Franz Primary School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960, captivated the audience-many of whom were teachers-stories of sustainability, courage and hope.
Bridges, now respected author and speaker, discuss your last book, Conversations with my teacherWho reflects on her relationship with her first -grade teacher Barbara Henry, a Boston, who supports her during the tumultuous period of desegregation. The book serves as a memoir and inspiration for both teachers and students.
Throughout the evening, bridges have told from their childhood experiences, recalling the confusion and excitement, which he experienced as a six -year navigation on the hostility of an individual society. “I had no idea what was happening at the time,” she said once in an interview. “I thought it was Mardi Gra. I didn’t know they protested me. “
Civil Rights Activist Ruby Bridges shared personal memories of entering his former elementary school during the era of segregation, more special during the Cookout event, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Wilmington Public Library in Wilmington, delled del S Photo by: Sakan Stimpson
Despite the challenges, she found comfort in the goodness of her teacher and the unwavering support of her family and community. “Racism has grown a disease and we need to stop using our children to spread it,” she said some observance, which resonates throughout her conversation.
The bridges emphasized that the fight against discrimination is not just a race, but a broader struggle between good and evil. She encouraged teachers to find joy in their work, inspiring students to choose kindness and justice over hatred. Thinking on her personal journey, she urged those present to honor the victims of those who fought for equality and continue their heritage.
It is important to note that all the people chosen to integrate William Franz Elementary were girls. Three families will eventually remove their daughters from the school, leaving the bridges as the only student who continues to attend her class. In addition, white parents, who tried to send their children to school with Ruby Bridges, have never been protected by federal marshals. Historical footage shows that these parents are attacked as they try to cross the Picketeers, emphasizing the deep resistance to the densgency at that time.
Her advocacy extends beyond talking commitments. The bridges stressed Ruby Bridges walks to the school day An initiative that encourages students across the country to participate in discussions about racial justice and take action within their communities. “I hope to see a national holiday in which schools participate in walks to promote activism and positive changes,” she said, predicting a future in which young people continue to move to equality.
The evening ended with heartfelt applause, as audience members – excessive teachers – easy, inspired by the lasting message of the hope, education and activism of Bridges. Her visit to Wilmington has reinforced the importance of remembering our history, learning from it and working collectively to a more just society.
As the bridges were thinking on their journey, she shared deep moods: “I really wanted to tell my story from my six -year point of view, so they could understand what it was. Hopefully children ask questions to adults. “