Irving School in Derby hosts safe walking event, honors civil rights icon

Students at Irving School in Derby took part in a walking in foggy conditions activity Thursday as part of the school’s National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Irving School joined schools across the state and region Thursday in hosting a safety event to honor a Civil Rights icon.

Students at Irving School celebrated National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day by listening to a reading I Am Ruby Bridges and participating in safe walking activities. 

This day recognizes the historic event that took place on Nov. 14, 1960, when six-year-old first-grader Ruby Bridges integrated William Frantz Elementary School. 

While Ruby and her family were looking to have access to an education where she could learn in a safe environment and not to make history, her courageous action and historic steps initiated the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools.

In 2018, a class of AAA School Safety Patrollers from Martin Elementary School in South San Francisco, CA, learned about the civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, and her brave walk to school as she became one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans

With a simple question from one student, “Why isn’t there a day for Ruby?” – an idea was sparked. These young leaders founded Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, with the vision of building a nationwide movement and starting a day of dialogue. 

In 2021, AAA and the Ruby Bridges Foundation partnered to support the Walk to School Day with over 90,000 students across 36 states participating.

The safe walking activities included, a walking school bus, getting a driver’s view from public works vehicles, driving/walking in foggy conditions, and putting on the brakes when pedestrians entering the roadway. 

The event was sponsored by AAA Northeast, Griffin Health Community Outreach, Safe Kids Worldwide, the City of Derby, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Safe Kids Worldwide CEO Torine Creppy attended the event. 

The Ruby Bridges program in Derby was started three years ago by Griffin, AAA, and Irving School to assist students that walk to school. Safe Kids’ focus inclusion and equity compelled the organization to become a sponsor.

“It was an honor and a joy to recognize Ruby Bridges and carry on her legacy of promoting the safety of students as they get to school,” said Cathi Kellett of Griffin Health Community Outreach.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Center Stage in Shelton to present musical inspired by Civil Rights pioneers

Sharing information from Facebook:

Performances:

June 2nd at 10:30AM and 1:00PM
June 9th at 10:30AM and 1:00PM

Tickets: 
$15- https://m.ovationtix.com/cl/29405
Group rates available*
Suitable for all ages*

Cast:
Lily Polkadot- Ana Frentress
Penelope Square- Kayci Kekacs
Sky Square- Josh Hahn
Ms. Square- Ali Dunne
Mama Square- Katt Twohill

Synopsis: 
Polkadots follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot who just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway. 

As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying, to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship. 

Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for the world, reminding us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts.

Community celebrates MLK at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia

NAACP Ansonia Branch 2000 and Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia sponsored Monday's annual celebration of the legacy of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 


*Stay tuned for more photos from the program in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Branford resident to present African-American artifacts at Ansonia Middle School

ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Library and Ansonia Middle School will present "The African-American Collection" Feb. 24 at the school, 115 Howard Ave.

Jeffrey A. Fletcher is the owner of an expansive collection of African-American artifacts, ranging from slave shackles, documentation where children, men, and women were sold along with property as well as livestock, to the fight for civil rights and the barriers to equality. 

Original games, postcards, and toys promoting stereotypes of African-Americans also are some of the items which will be on display.   

The exhibit is a collection of imagery and items which reflect the decades of turbulent times for African-Americans in the United States during the period of slavery up to the Civil Rights movement, including original pictures, signs, statutes and KKK regalia which are chronicled as being significant in the history of African-Americans.
It will provide everyone an opportunity to experience a powerful visual display of what motivated the trailblazers and pioneers who forged the way for equality as well as freedom for African-Americans today. 

A lifelong Branford resident, Fletcher is one of four children raised by parents who migrated from the South at early ages during the turbulent years of “Jim Crow” and the early Civil Rights era. 

His desire to bring a sad and troubling part of Black American History to the forefront was inspired by his parents, siblings and daughter. He uses the artifacts and memorabilia from his collection to tell his parents’ story as well as the thousands of African Americans who survived the extremes of overt racism and discrimination.

Fletcher will give three, one-hour presentations relating to his collection, at which times the public is invited to attend: at 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. in the middle school auditorium.

A preview exhibit is on display at the Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St.


This is a press release from Mary Ann Capone, Director, Ansonia Library.

Branford man to present African-American artifacts at Ansonia Middle School

Ansonia Library to host preview of exhibit

ANSONIA - Jeffrey Fletcher of Branford will present his collection of African-American artifacts in two programs Feb. 24 at Ansonia Middle School, 115 Howard Ave. 

His collection ranges from slave shackles, documentation where children, men and women were sold along with property as well as livestock, to the fight for civil rights and the barriers to equality. 

Original games, postcards, and toys promoting stereotypes of African-Americans are some of the items that will be on display.   

The exhibit is a collection of imagery and items which reflect the decades of turbulent times for African-Americans in the United States during the period of slavery up to the Civil Rights movement, including original pictures, signs, statues, and KKK regalia which are chronicled as being significant in the history of African- Americans. 

It will provide everyone an opportunity to experience a powerful visual display of what motivated the trailblazers and pioneers who forged the way for equality as well as freedom for African-Americans today. 

A lifelong Branford resident, Fletcher is one of four children raised by parents who migrated from the South at early ages during the turbulent years of “Jim Crow” and the early Civil Rights era. 

His desire to bring a sad and troubling part of Black American History to the forefront was inspired by his parents, siblings, and daughter. He uses the artifacts and memorabilia from his collection to tell his parents’ story as well as the thousands of African-Americans who survived the extremes of overt racism and discrimination.

Fletcher will give two presentations, at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
The exhibit will be located in the school auditorium. It is free and open to the public. 

A preview exhibit will be on display at the Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St. starting Feb. 10, according to information from the Friends of the Ansonia Library.

This is a press release from the Friends of the Ansonia Library.

Re-posting: Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia to celebrate King today

Martin Luther King Day

Monday, January 18, 2016  12 P.M.

"We Stand United"

A Celebration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sponsored by NAACP Ansonia Branch #2000

will be held at

Macedonia Baptist Church

243 Pershing Drive

Ansonia, CT 06401

Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Alfred L. Smith, Jr.

Light refreshments will be served

 ~

This is a release from the Ansonia Branch of the NAACP.

DeLauro salutes civil rights marchers on 50th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday'

NEW HAVEN - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, released the following statement today marking the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.”

“I salute the extraordinary courage and commitment of those civil rights marchers who, 50 years ago today, marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, demanding their right to vote. All Americans owe them a debt of gratitude for pushing our nation to be a better place.

“A direct line can be drawn from ‘Bloody Sunday’ to the day the landmark Voting Rights Act was signed. That law has been responsible for most of the progress made towards outlawing discriminatory voting practices over the last 50 years. Unfortunately the Voting Rights Act is now under assault and its values are being dishonored. Congress must pass a revised, renewed, and strengthened Voting Rights Act this year to protect the most fundamental right of our democracy.”

In June 2013, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that invalidated a key section of the Voting Rights Act, significantly weakening it.

The decision struck down the formula used to determine if covered state and local governments are in compliance with the Voting Rights Act.


This is a press release from DeLauro's office. 

NAACP Branch in Ansonia to host MLK event at church

Martin Luther King Day Celebration!


Monday, January 19, 2015

12 Noon

Clinton A. M. E. Zion Church

96 Central Street

Ansonia, CT 06401


Rev. Valerie Maness, Pastor

Speaker: Michael Jefferson, Civil Rights Lawyer


International Buffet to follow in the Church Hall

Everyone is asked to bring an ethnic dish to share at the festival. If you cannot, come with a prayer in your heart.

All are welcome in the spirit of Dr. King.


More Information:

Call Naomi at 203-734-3191

Jackie at 203-735-1033


Sponsored by:

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Ansonia Branch #2000

P.O. Box 6

Ansonia, CT 06401