In a heartwarming collaboration that bridges communities and histories, Beth El Norwalk is joining hands with Carver to present a special screening of the Disney movie "Ruby Bridges." This event (register here) promises an enriching cinematic experience and a profound opportunity for dialogue and understanding.
Beth El Norwalk, steeped in a rich tapestry of tradition and community engagement, finds a parallel in Carver's legacy. Both institutions have long been pillars in their respective communities since the late 1930s, fostering education, unity, and social progress. We come together on Saturday, February 10th, to shine a light on an important chapter of history through the lens of Disney's poignant portrayal of Ruby Bridges' journey.
The "Ruby Bridges" screening is more than just an evening at the movies. It's a chance to delve into the themes of courage, resilience, and the fight for equality that resonate through Ruby's story. Following the screening, Pastor Moreland and Rabbi Paskind will guide a conversation that delves deeper into the film's significance and relevance to our present-day struggles and aspirations.
This event is not just about watching a movie; it's about coming together as a community to reflect on our shared past and envision a more inclusive future. It's about recognizing the power of storytelling to inspire empathy and drive positive change.
We invite you to this special event at Beth El Norwalk, where history and community converge to celebrate the indomitable spirit of Ruby Bridges and the enduring partnership between Beth El Norwalk and Carver. Let's honor the past, engage with the present, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Ruby Nell Bridges was the first African American child to attend formerly whites-only William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on November 14, 1960. For the first year, she needed federal protection every day since protesters were always at the school gates, including a woman with a doll in a coffin. Bridges had to bring her lunch every day for fear of being poisoned. White parents withdrew their children from the school, and the staff refused to teach Bridges, except for one teacher: Barbara Henry, who had come from Boston. It has become one of the defining images of the civil rights movement, popularised even further by Norman Rockwell’s recreation in his 1964 painting The Problem We All Live With.