Integration

I'm sure you've seen it by now. The photo mashup gone viral of Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris and a then 5-year old Ruby Bridges walking into her New Orleans' elementary school. 

It's hard to imagine the burden of integration was shouldered by such a young girl. But it wasn't until yesterday that I gave any thought to the other woman in Ruby's shadow .... her mother.

On November 10, 2020 Lucille Bridges, mother of four, died at the age of 86. 

Nearly 60 years ago to the day (November 14, 1960) she took Ruby's hand, and flanked by four federal agents, made her exit out of William Frantz Elementary School at day's end. A day like no other.

Living now, during a time when the term "helicopter parenting" is common parlance, Lucille's choice to place her child at such risk may seem unimaginable. But sometimes the unimaginable is the only way forward.

"I think I speak for all mothers who want the best for their children when I hope for the same moral courage, bravery and love as that of Lucille Bridges. May she rest in God's perfect peace." - LaToya Cantrell (Mayor of New Orleans)