CLEVELAND, OH, November 7, 2024: Cleveland Public Library is honored to announce that Ruby Bridges – civil rights icon, activist, and author – will participate in a special Cleveland Public Library program at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. On Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 at 12:30 p.m., Ms. Bridges will join local students to discuss her latest book, Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts, a compilation of letters from concerned young students about today’s most pressing issues.
“Cleveland Public Library is committed to empowering our community through meaningful conversations and learning opportunities,” said Felton Thomas Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “Welcoming Ruby Bridges to engage with our youth reflects our mission to inspire the next generation and foster a more just and inclusive society.”
On Nov. 14, 1960, at just six years old, Ruby Bridges made history by integrating William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, single-handedly initiating the desegregation of public education. She later founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which provides leadership training to inspire youth and community leaders to embrace diversity.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our students to learn directly from a living legend,” said Erica Marks, Senior Director of Outreach and Programming Services. “As ‘The People’s University,’ we are proud to host Ruby Bridges and continue our mission of building a more equitable and informed community through lifelong learning.”
Bridges has received numerous accolades, including the NAACP Martin Luther King Award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and honorary degrees from several universities. In addition to Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts, she is also the author of Through My Eyes, This Is Your Time, and I Am Ruby Bridges.
Following her engagement with the students, Ms. Bridges will deliver the keynote address at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s 119th Annual Meeting.
For more information, visit cpl.org.
About Cleveland Public Library
Founded in 1869, Cleveland Public Library serves the residents of Cleveland through its network of 27 neighborhood branches, the Main Library downtown, Public Administration Library at City Hall, homebound delivery services, and mobile services to daycare and senior centers. From a collection of 10.5 million items, the Library has traditionally circulated nearly 6 million items a year to its 300,000 registered borrowers and to 45 other CLEVNET-member libraries in 12 counties across Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Public Library is home to the Ohio Center for the Book and the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, serving all 88 counties in the state of Ohio. For more information, visit cpl.org.