The Chief Condra Ridley Library

Fort Wayne Urban League

On Saturday, February 22nd the Fort Wayne Urban League dedicated its library in honor of Chief Condra Ridley. The library located within the FWUL building will now be known as, “The Chief Condra Ridley Library.”

The community attended and participated in the ribbon cutting, heard the proclamation signed by Mayor Sharon Tucker making February 22nd Chief Condra Ridley Day, congratulated Chief Condra Ridley, and toured the library.

The first 10 guests received a free copy of the book, “The People Could Fly” by Virginia Hamilton & those books will be signed by Chief Condra Ridley; as this is one of her favorite books.

“I am honored to dedicate this library to Chief Condra Ridley who has served this community for 30+ years and inspired so many people (including me) to pick up a book and read it,” stated Aisha R. Arrington, President & CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League.

FWUL hopes that the library will inspire young people to read. FWUL offers an afterschool program with a reading focus but 72% of the youth served are not reading at grade level. “There is a tremendous need to simply offer an opportunity for our kids to fall in love with reading – reading sets the foundation for every goal associated with education and career opportunities and when our kids are not reading on grade level it starts them on a path where there is little opportunity,” Arrington stated.”