Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, one of the first Black students to integrate an all-white elementary school in 1960, will speak at Berry College on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Despite facing severe racism and threats to her family, Bridges never missed a school day.

Her lecture is set for 10 a. m. on January 20 in the Berry College Chapel, with limited seating available. Doors will open to the public at 9:30 a. m. The event is part of the Conson Wilson Lecture Series and is sponsored by GHD Foundation. Admission is free.

Born in 1954, the year the U. S. Supreme Court declared school segregation unconstitutional, Bridges began attending William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960, helping to de-segregate public education. Her story has been captured in various artworks and media, including a famous painting by Norman Rockwell and the Disney movie “Ruby Bridges. ” She has authored several books and works as a civil rights activist and speaker, founding the Ruby Bridges Foundation. This event also celebrates the 60th anniversary of Berry College’s integration.