Ruby Bridges is coming to Alameda

Folks, if you haven't checked out the Alameda Parents Network Yahoo group (there's a link in the list at lower left), it is an invaluable resource for all sorts of things. You can get the 411 on kidstuff, service providers, and goings-on about town, including a pending visit from civil rights icon Ruby Bridges.

Bridges, who in 1960 was was one of the first black children to integrate into New Orleans' public schools and whose name graces Alameda's newest elementary school, will be at First Baptist Church at 6 p.m. December 6 to sign copies of her autobiography, "Through My Eyes" which tells her story through the eyes of her 6-year-old self.

Bridges' visit, and two concerts also being held that day, are a fundraiser for an overnight science field trip camp for Ruby Bridges elementary's fifth graders.

Copies of the book are $20; call Esponila Johnson, Ruby Bridges's office manager, at 748-4006, extension 4. You can pre-order a book to be signed even if you can't attend.

Johnson's also the contact for tickets to the 2 p.m. concert, which features local gospel choirs and vocal ensembles and the school's faculty and student choirs. (The second concert, at 7 p.m., is sold out.) Tickets for the concert are $10, $15 at the door.

First Baptist is at 1515 Santa Clara Avenue. And if you're interested in learning more about Ruby Bridges, her website is here.