Many people know that Brown vs Board of Education was decided in 1954, that the “Little Rock 9” made news in 1957, and that little Ruby Bridges made her brave walk into school in 1960.  But did you know that Catholic Schools in St. Louis were integrated years before that?
St. Louis University admitted its first Black students in 1944.  In 1947 Archbishop Joseph Ritter ordered all Catholic elementary and high schools in our area to integrate.  This decision was met with protests and angry meetings.  Some even threatened to sue Ritter.  In response Ritter said that anyone participating in a case fighting the order would be excommunicated.  The protests soon ended and Catholic schools in St. Louis have been open to all races since.                                                                 
What would you be willing to do to further the cause of racial harmony?  Contributed by Kim Blackford.  Interested in joining the Peace and Justice Ministry?  Call or text Saralou Hendrickson at 314-440-2020.