(reprinted from February 3, 2017)
Ruby Bridges.
By now her name is a familiar name in my community. Today I am reminded on Norman Rockwell's birthday of his image that I first saw in high school, "The Problem We All Live With." The image of 6 year old Ruby Bridges bravely walking into school, escorted by four US Marshals. I did not forget the image, but the name I did not know.
I heard her story--her story of innocence, courage, and forgiveness. Yesterday, I spent the day with her and her lovely agent. I heard her share her story with television journalists, print journalists, and the full house in the Benson Auditorium.
Each time, I saw her sincerity, kindness, and goodness. I saw children, college students, parents, and grandparents come together to hear her story. If you listened to her story, you left changed. Changed to see the good, to be the good. "Goodness isn't a color; goodness doesn't see color. Goodness looks for goodness." I felt at ease with her like you do with a long-time friend. I was with her when she said, "It isn't Black History Month; it is just history, our American history. One that should be told every day." I've always thought the same thing. What she did that day in November 1960, she did for all children. She did it for me, my children, and my future grandchildren.
Be like Ruby Bridges. Look for goodness.
Today when we said goodbye, she said, "Let's keep in touch."
Yesterday, Ruby Bridges was an amazing story that I have loved for many years.
Today Ruby Bridges is my friend.
Be like Ruby Bridges. Look for goodness.
Today when we said goodbye, she said, "Let's keep in touch."
Yesterday, Ruby Bridges was an amazing story that I have loved for many years.
Today Ruby Bridges is my friend.
