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To honor Black History Month in February 2022, more than two dozen supporters joined with Grace Farms Foundation to create a timely virtual conversation with American civil rights leader Ruby Bridges.
Grace Farms Foundation’s Community Initiative Director Karen Kariuki spoke with Ruby Bridges about her life, experiences, and thoughts on fostering greater understanding, dialogue, and inclusivity in all of our communities. The conversation was inspired by an 8 year old New Canaan resident who wrote a letter to Ms. Bridges and brought together an entire community to take action as a result of a racially-motivated incident that he experienced at Mead Park that made him sad. He looked for a way to make a positive change in this community. He started with reading a book about Ruby Bridges, and then he wrote a letter asking Ms. Bridges to come and speak to the kids and grownups in town.
Grace Farms is profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to spearhead this pivotal moment for the community – fueled by the support of many individuals and institutions within the nonprofit, educational, faith, business, and private philanthropy sectors from across Fairfield County. A full list of sponsors is included at the end of this release.
In her interview, Ruby conveyed an important and timely message. “Do not be afraid,” she said. “This is your time in history. Keep your eyes on the prize. And at all costs, stay united.”
The 45 minute interview with Ruby will be screened at Grace Farms on February 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 16. On February 12, the screening will take place at 11 am and 2 pm and also include a moderated discussion with Community Initiative Director Karen Kariuki.
We are grateful to our sponsors:
B Kind Foundation
East Elementary School PTC – New Canaan
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Grace Community Church
NBC Sports Group
New Canaan Community Foundation
New Canaan Library
South Elementary School PTC – New Canaan
St. Aloysius Church, New Canaan
Temple Sinai
The Children’s School
The Congregational Church of New Canaan
West Elementary School PTC – New Canaan
Emily Courtiss, Ridgefield Alliance
Brittney Crystal, Ridgefield Alliance
Elizabeth Hanson, Ridgefield Alliance
Kristy and Darryl Jefferson, Ridgefield Alliance
Lindsey Kershaw, Ridgefield Alliance
Cait Lunn, Ridgefield Alliance
Patty MacRae
Michael Doherty
Michelle and Frank DiMaria
Karen and Omar Kariuki
Jamie Renwick
Safiya Simpson
Kitsey Snow
Jocelyn and Josh Walls
Meg and John Walsh
and all anonymous sponsors
For more information, visit gracefarms.org.
