Civil Rights Icon Ruby Bridges to Speak at UW-Madison

The author and activist will give a 'Fireside Chat' at Memorial Union on April 8.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Ruby Bridges, the civil rights activist who as a young girl in 1960 became the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, will give a talk at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on April 8. The event, hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series, will feature a moderated Q&A with Bridges on topics of equality, education, and community.

Why it matters

Bridges' historic walk to school as a six-year-old was immortalized in Norman Rockwell's painting 'The Problem We All Live With' and has become an iconic moment in the civil rights movement. Her visit to UW-Madison provides an opportunity for students and the community to hear directly from a living legend and learn from her experiences advocating for racial justice and educational equity.

The details

The event, titled 'A Fireside Chat With Ruby Bridges,' will include a 60-minute moderated discussion with Bridges, followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A. Current UW-Madison students can register for free tickets starting March 25, while any remaining tickets will be available to the general public on March 26.

  • The event will take place on April 8, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union.
  • Ticket registration for UW-Madison students opens on March 25, 2026.
  • Remaining tickets will be available to the general public on March 26, 2026.

The players

Ruby Bridges

An author and civil rights activist who in 1960, at the age of six, became the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the founder of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which develops educational and leadership programs.

Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD)

A student-led organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that brings engaging and influential speakers to campus through its Distinguished Lecture Series.

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What they’re saying

“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!”

— Ruby Bridges

What’s next

Current UW-Madison students can register for free tickets to the event starting on March 25, 2026. Any remaining tickets will be made available to the general public on March 26, 2026.

The takeaway

Ruby Bridges' visit to UW-Madison serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice and educational equity. Her story of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity continues to inspire new generations of activists and leaders.