Following in Ruby Bridges’ footsteps

Their “firsts” paved the way for me, and for so many others. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ It might be easy to assume that stories of school integration are ancient history. But this week, as Ruby Bridges — who made history by integrating her elementary school in New Orleans — turns 70 years old, we must reckon with the fact that the trauma that our heroes endured during the Civil Rights Movement occurred just decades ago. In the years that followed the iconic image of federal marshals escorting Ruby Bridges to kindergarten, many Black Americans would follow in her footsteps. That included the woman who would later become my sister-in-law: Vivian Malone Jones. My brave, brilliant, and barrier-breaking sister-in-law was one of the first two Black students who integrated and enrolled at the University of Alabama. [A photo of Vivian Malone Jones]( When Vivian arrived at the University of Alabama, she was met by Governor George Wallace who was determined not to allow her to attend her state’s university — simply because she was Black. It was only after President Kennedy called out the National Guard to escort her onto campus that she was permitted to begin her enrollment process. [Vivian being escorted]( It’s hard to imagine what Vivian endured as she dreamt of and pursued her college education — a few months after she arrived on campus, racists set off bombs mere blocks from her dorm. [Vivian being photographed on her way to school]( But Vivian never wavered. She would go on to make further history and become the first Black student to graduate from the university. [Vivian graduating]( Today — and always — I’m thinking a lot about Ruby Bridges, Vivian Malone Jones, and the sheer courage and tenacity it must have taken for them to persist amidst so much hatred. Their “firsts” paved the way for me, and for so many others. Thank you to these trailblazers for lighting the path for all of us. Eric H. Holder, Jr., 82nd Attorney General of the United States [DONATE]( [A.G. Holder: If the NDRC is successful in undoing manipulated maps, we will be able to achieve a system in which everyone's vote counts.]( Since 2017, the NDRC has executed a comprehensive redistricting strategy that shifts the redistricting power, creating fair districts where Democrats can compete. Our victories have been made possible by our strong community of grassroots supporters. [MAKE A DONATION]( If you want to receive periodic updates from the NDRC on our fight for fair maps, text MAPS to 36787. Text HELP for help, STOP to end. Msg & Data rates may apply. [Privacy Policy.]( We know we send a lot of emails, but we think it's important to keep you updated with the latest information on Republican gerrymandering and voter suppression and how we're fighting back -- regardless of whether you choose to donate. [Click here]( to make a donation. Every dollar you give will go toward our fight to end gerrymandering and voter suppression. Paid for by the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, John Bisognano, President. [threads link]( [facebook link]( [instagram link]( National Democratic Redistricting Committee 1015 18th Street NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20036 United States [Click here]( if you'd like to receive fewer emails from the NDRC. [unsubscribe](