"Ruby Bridges"

In 1960, six year old Ruby Bridges became the first African American student to integrate the New Orleans public school system. Escorted by four federal agents and running a gauntlet of an untamed racist mob outside, she made her way to an empty classroom— white parents withheld their children rather than let them share a classroom with her. In the end, it was just her and Mrs Henry, her teacher. The two remain friends all these years later. Speaking tonight at the NCHC conference here in New Orleans, Ms Bridges reminded us of the lesson she learned all those years ago: "Racism is an adult disease. We need to stop using children to spread it." Here she is, depicted in an iconic work by Norman Rockwell: a small but determined girl, protected by officers who no matter how strong and tall can't shield her from the sting of hateful speech and the fear of violence. Still, there is a stoicism about her that lets us know this is someone who, against odds and obstacles, will make her way. Tonight she showed that, despite the wounds and ravages endured over the past half century, she has and is still.