Benefit concert for Ruby Bridges Elementary School on Saturday, January 24 at 7:00 pm at the Kofman Auditorium at 2200 Central Avenue in Alameda. The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will join the Ruby Bridges fifth grade choir in an effort to raise money to send fifth graders to science camp.
The school’s namesake, Ruby Bridges, is flying in from her home in New Orleans to address the audience at the concert. Bridges said, “I think science camp is extremely important because it allows all our fifth-grade students to come together and bond together. That’s really what my work is all about - bringing kids together.”
Many have seen the Norman Rockwell painting of a small black girl being escorted by U. S. Marshalls to school when she integrated William Frantz Elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. It is such a powerful painting of a very brave child. Ruby Bridges was a 6 years old at the time.
According to Wikipedia, Bridges is now chair of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which she formed in 1999 to promote "the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences". Describing the mission of the group, she says, "racism is a grown-up disease and we must stop using our children to spread it."[11]
Please call 510-748-4006 for tickets or email teacher Heather Figueroa at hfigueroa@alameda.k12.ca.us or you may purchase tickets at the door. Tickets are $15.
Alameda is a wonderful island community, with its tree lined streets, friendly neighborhoods, great schools and lovely architecture. I write about interesting and fun things to do in Alameda and issue affecting Alamedans in my Living in Alameda blog. If you would like more information about Alameda please call or text me at 510-504-5612.
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