MLK would like to highlight our student, Jhaloni Stamper, for her role in portraying the iconic Ruby Bridges in honor of her impact in the civil rights movement.

At only 6 years old, Ruby Bridges was the youngest of students chosen to integrate into an all white school in New Orleans, Louisiana in November of 1960. Her name became known nationwide and her story has been told ever since.

MLK proudly participates in the “Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day” which began in 2018. Our students are taught about the importance of Ruby and her role in desegregation of schools in our country. The Fort Wayne Urban League, Allen County Public Library and Martin Luther King Montessori School have partnered to enlighten students about the importance of Ruby Bridges and her story.

MLK’s staff chose Jhaloni Stamper to portray Ruby Bridges due to her strong personality and similar characteristics as the civil rights activist. Accompanied by her parents Jhaloni marched into her school, red carpet style, in her interpretation of what Ms. Bridges wore as she entered William Frantz Elementary School 63 years ago. The library read “Ruby Bridges Goes to School,” which has been listed as a banned book in various schools around the country, and gifted every child in our school with a copy of the book. WANE 15 came out to capture it all. The Fort Wayne Urban League’s press release stated, “The student and her family embrace everything about what it truly means to love and accept others regardless of race & Fort Wayne Urban League is excited to see her walk the red carpet!”

We at MLK would like to thank Jhaloni for her bravery and her family for their support.