From the National Civil Rights Museum:
For the fifth year, the museum is proud to partner with civil rights icon Ruby Bridges-Hall to present the Ruby Bridges Reading Festival. Children pre-K through elementary school can not only receive free books at the festival but can also enjoy storytelling and entertainment. Educators, with their valid school ID, can also get free books for their classrooms.
Ruby Bridges will engage with young readers and their families by reading and signing her books Through My Eyes, This Is Your Time, This Is My Story, and her September 2022 release,I Am Ruby Bridges.
When: SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 • 9AM-1PM
Where: MUSEUM COURTYARD
How: FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Go to this link for more details and to register for the event.
“My work will be precious… I will be a bridge between people… I will bridge the “gap” between Black & white… but hopefully all people!”
Civil Rights icon, Ruby Bridges and NAACP-nominated artist Nikkolas Smith tell Bridges’ momentous story in the inspiring picture book, I Am Ruby Bridges (on sale September 6, 2022; ages 4-8). In 1980 and at just six years old, Ruby became the first African American student to integrate the school system in the South. Escorted by federal marshals, Ruby makes her way to the once all-white William Frantz Elementary, helping pave the way for many more children like her.
Told from Bridges’ own point of view for the first time, Bridges and Smith share this story with the world like never before and provide the perfect learning tool for schools and libraries to teach the story of Ruby Bridges. Filled with touching illustrations that reflect the hope that stemmed from the past and that of what is to come in the future and poetic writing wrapped in uplifting courage, I Am Ruby Bridges will surely help shape future generations of activists.
Ruby Bridges became a pioneer in school integration at the age of six, when she was chosen to spend her first-grade year in what had formerly been an all-white elementary school. Ruby Bridges now works as a lecturer, telling her story to adults and children alike. She lives with her husband and sons in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Nikkolas Smith, a native of Houston, Texas, is a Master of Architecture recipient from Hampton University. He is an ARTivist, concept artist, children’s books author, film Illustrator and movie poster designer (Black Panther, Soul, Beale Street, Southside With You, Dear White People, Stranger Fruit). He is the author/illustrator of the picture books The Golden Girls of Rio (nominated for an NAACP Image Award) and My Hair Is Poofy And That’s Okay. The latest children’s book he has illustrated, World Cup Women, features the World Champion USWNT. He lives in Los Angeles, California.