Sunday News

Civil rights activist at MU

In 1960, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges' parents volunteered her to integrate the New Orleans School system.

"She showed a lot of courage. She never cried. She didn't whimper. She just marched along like a little soldier, and we're all very proud of her," former U.S. Deputy Marshal Charles Burks said later.

The civil rights activist will share her experience as the first African-American child to attend an all-white elementary school in the South -- and her life since -- at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in Clair Performance Hall of the Winter Center at Millersville University.

"Racism is a grown-up disease, and we must stop using our children to spread it," according to Bridges, who penned the autobiography "Through My Eyes."

She now chairs the Ruby Bridges Foundation, formed to promote "tolerance, respect and appreciation of all differences."

This event is sponsored by Millersville University's Black Student Union, African American Studies, NAACP Student Chapter, the Frederick Douglass Celebration of Black Culture and the University Theme Committee.

This event it free to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve at MUTicketsOnline.com; by calling 872-3811; or by visiting the Student Memorial Center Ticket Office in Room 103 on campus or The Ware Center Box Office at 42 N. Prince St., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.