To remember such an integral day in American history,#SeeHer Story, the digital video series fromKatie CouricMedia and PEOPLE, has chosen to honor Bridges, 65, and her bravery in this week’s episode.
The goal of#SeeHer Storyistorecognize various female trailblazers ranging from the past 100 years to today and celebrate how they’ve helped to shape history and culture.
As this year marks the centennial anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote, the series hopes to commemorate such an important time for women in history.
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Bridges’ story of activism began at only 6 years old, when she became the first — and only — black student in 1960 to attend William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans, following a federal judge’s orders to desegregate Louisiana public schools.
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“I actually attended this all-white school alone. For a whole year, I sat in an empty classroom with a teacher that was white who came from Boston to teach me because teachers in New Orleans refused to teach black children,” said Bridges in the clip.
Challenges aside, Bridges remained strong — she didn’t miss a day of school and years later was recognized for becoming the first African American student to integrate a Southern elementary school.
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“It’s fair to say that if it wasn’t for you guys, I might not be here and we wouldn’t be looking at this together,” Obama shared with Bridges at the time.
After seeing how much her story inspired others, Bridges added in the video, she “realized there was something much bigger” and wanted to share her experiences with the world.
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Now, Bridges travels around the country, speaking to kids and imparting her wisdom with the hopes that her truth will inspire further acceptance and inclusivity.
source: people.com
