Teresa Brown continues her presentation dressed as Ruby Bridges, standing in the cafeteria and speaking to a group of second graders. The students, dressed in red and white clothing, sit at round tables, listening. Some lean on their hands, while others watch with interest.

Civil Rights Hero

Haynesfield Elementary School

February 17, 2025

Second graders are finishing up their Module: Civil Rights Heroes. They recently read the story about Ruby Bridges. To make the story come alive, retired BTCS teacher, Teresa Brown, dressed up as Ruby and discussed the impact that Ruby made in the Civil Rights Movement, and how Ruby's response to injustice mattered. Mrs. Brown shared how Ruby's life impacted hers in being able to have a public education in a newly desegregated elementary school. Mrs. Brown credits Ruby's journey as one that opened the door for many young students like herself. Before leaving, Mrs. Brown told the students to remember three important aspects from their discussion about Ruby Bridges impact:

  1. Be kind

  2. Get your education because nobody can ever take that away.

  3. You are somebody and what you do matters

Retired BTCS teacher Teresa Brown, dressed as Ruby Bridges in a beige dress, white jacket, and white bow in her hair, speaks to a group of second-grade students seated at round tables in a school cafeteria.