Date
March 19
Location
Richard & Karen Carpenter
Performing Arts Center
Time
7 p.m.
(Doors open at 6 p.m.)
Description
Join us for an evening with historical figure, civil rights activist and philanthropist, Ruby Bridges!
Ruby Bridges made history as the first African American child to attend the formerly whites-only, William Frantz Elementary School, in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on Nov. 14, 1960.
Ruby Bridges is a Civil Rights icon, activist, author and speaker who at the age of six was the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school alone in Louisiana. She 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 family later moved to New Orleans, where on Nov. 14, 1960, Bridges began attending William Frantz Elementary School, single-handedly initiating the desegregation of public education. Her walk to the front door of the school was immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Problem We All Live With,” in Robert Coles’ book “The Story of Ruby Bridges,” and in the Disney movie “Ruby Bridges.”
She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to provide leadership training programs that inspire youth and community leaders to embrace and value the richness of diversity. Bridges is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NAACP Martin Luther King Award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and honorary doctorate degrees from Connecticut College, College of New Rochelle, Columbia University Teachers College, and Tulane University. Bridges is also the author of “Through My Eyes,” “This Is Your Time,” “I Am Ruby Bridges,” “Dear Ruby,” “Hear Our Hearts,” and the just released “A Talk with My Teacher” in January, 2025. In March, 2024, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
All attendees will receive a free copy of Ruby Bridges’s 2020 book, "This is Your Time.” However, the first 35 students in line will receive a signed copy.
Tickets & Event Details
- Seats are first-come, first-served, and cannot be reserved. There are a limited number of tickets, so get them while supplies last!
- If you’d like to submit a question to Ruby Bridges, you can do so HERE by Friday, March 14. Join us at the event to see if your question is asked!
- To request disability-related accommodations, complete the Bob Murphy Access Center Event Request Form.
Event Info
- Student tickets are $10
- Tickets must be purchased using your @student.csulb.edu
- Virtual ticket & LBSU ID are required for entry
- Closed to the public
- No backpacks allowed in the venue
- Parking permits will be enforced
- The use of any recording devices during the event including, but not limited to, cell phones, video cameras or digital recorders is not permitted during Ms. Bridges’ speaking engagement.
Special note: If tickets are available, LBSU faculty and staff can purchase tickets beginning March 10 using a @csulb.edu email address.
Speak Boldly & Listen Bravely is an initiative designed to foster an inclusive and supportive environment within our institution by enhancing communication, promoting active listening, and encouraging bold conversations among students, staff, and administration. This comprehensive program aims to cultivate a campus culture where open dialogue, respectful communication, and active listening are paramount.
Co-Sponsored by:
For questions, please email asi-beachpride@csulb.edu.
