The New Era of Civil Rights Advocates

Earlier this month, I had the honor to attend Kids First Chicago’s “Living Legacies Luncheon” with keynote speaker Ruby Bridges, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. In a powerful presentation, Ms. Bridges shared her experiences from a six year old integrating New Orleans’ all-white public school system to the activist for racial equality she is today.

Listening to Ms. Bridges relive her experiences and share her insight reminds us that “once upon a time” wasn’t that long ago. We can recognize the progress we’ve made as a culture, but we still have more work to do. New laws have been enacted, plans are at the ready, and anti-DE&I activists are in the process of completely erasing this work.

We are the new era of Civil Rights Advocates. We have the power, the drive, and the determination to counter the challenges and advance this work. We must keep our eyes on the ball to ensure the doors of opportunity are open to everyone … no exceptions.

Our actions today have implications for the future.

Be well,