With rain in the forecast for Friday, ACC’s Social Hall is now the official gathering location for Kensington Elementary’s Ruby Bridges Walk this Friday, November 13, now beginning at 7:40am. The church will be providing coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Please come if you can, and wear your ACC t-shirts or aprons (we have aprons at the church to borrow), and Pastor Jen has a few t-shirts left if you would like to purchase one ($20). We can use help with hot chocolate, or just being around to greet people, point out the bathrooms, etc.
We were invited to participate in the school’s annual walk in response to an act of racist vandalism at Kensington Elementary that has deeply shaken Black families in the school community. After reaching out to Pastor Jen for support, the school's African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) invited ACC to stand alongside local families and help affirm that racism has no place in our community and that every child deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and supported.
Please see the details below from leaders of the event:
Rain or shine, families, neighbors, and friends are invited to walk together up the hill to Kensington Elementary in a show of support for our children and in the spirit of Ruby Bridges’ courage.
A few things to know:
All ages are welcome!
Wear purple and dress for the rain.
Feel free to bring a sign with a message of welcome and encouragement
Morning Schedule:
7:40 AM: Gather in ACC’s Social Hall. Coffee, tea, and cocoa will be provided.
8:00 AM: Welcome program.
8:10 AM: Walk together to Kensington Elementary, accompanied by Kensington Police officers at the Arlington Avenue crosswalk.
8:20 AM: Arrive at the school’s front entrance, where students will receive a Certificate of Courage.
The annual walk honors Ruby Bridges, one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. This year’s walk carries particular significance following the racist vandalism incident at Kensington Elementary. It is an opportunity for our community to stand together against racism and affirm that every child deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and supported.
Questions? Contact Hisham Ali Bob, AAPAC Co-President, at (510) 432-2173 or hishamalibob@gmail.com.
We hope to see you Friday morning!