On May 14, Ruby Bridge, a Civil Rights icon of the 60s, spoke at a luncheon sponsored by Chicago Metro Achievement Center for Girls (a group that tutors and mentors intercity girls). Her message was filled with dignity and optimism. She discussed her historical journey of being the first African American child to integrate at an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960.
Norman Rockwell, a famous American illustrator, painted his interpretation of Ruby’s first day at school.
The painting is a powerful image of a brave little girl facing danger and hatred. Rockwell titled the painting, The Problem We All Live With.
Mrs. Bridge summarized her speech by stating, “We should never look at another person and judge them by the color their skin. That is the lesson I learned in first grade.”
The MVCC library has placed an order for a copy of Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges. Meanwhile, check out the Civil Rights material in the Moraine Library.