The Fort Wayne Urban League Hosts its 2nd Annual Banned Book Campaign

By Lauren Burris

The community created more than 800 colorful rocks for the Fort Wayne Urban League (FWUL). The Ruby Bridges Rock Trail will be on display starting Tuesday.

The Banned Book Campaign will coincide with the Ruby Bridges Rock Trail.

The trail’s namesake comes from civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, who at 6 years old integrated an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960. Ruby’s book, “Ruby Bridges Goes to School”, is banned on several book lists nationwide.

FWUL strives to support the Freedom to Learn Campaign by hosting its second annual Banned Book Campaign. Kimberle Crenshaw and Khalil Brigan Muhammad will pass out 100 copies of Bridge’s book at the Magnificent Fest on Saturday at McMillen Park.

It was sad that so many young people did not know who Ruby Bridges was; had never heard of her name. Our trail is inspired by Bridges quote: “Don’t follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail. When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you!”

The public is welcome to view the rocks in front of the FWUL building facing South Hanna Street until July 18. The community can park in the FWUL parking lot and view the rock trail in front of the building.

The trail will be marked with lawn signs to show which groups contributed to each section.