Emmy-winning actor recalls facing racism in kindergarten—but her teacher’s unforgettable gesture gave her hope
Sheryl Lee Ralph was just a few years younger than 6-year-old Ruby Bridges, the first Black student to enter a White school in 1960, when she found herself against a similar oppression, per TODAY. When racism was frequent and extreme, the then-little girl seemed to find no support or help from peers or even teachers. She undoubtedly felt dejected and defeated when she set foot in Driggs Elementary School in Waterbury, Connecticut. However, her teacher, Ms. Spencer, stepped up with support through a simple yet powerful gesture that boosted the young student’s confidence. Her simple initial contribution counts as a profound act of love that Ralph, now a successful, Emmy-winning actor, holds dear to this day.
Racism has declined over the last few decades. Acceptance and equality are being promoted and advocated by many. Despite this dynamic and open-minded viewpoint, around 45.9% Black students still reported having experienced racism at school over the last few years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is heart-wrenching to fathom how much more cruel and extreme these practices were decades ago. Ruby Bridges, a civil rights icon, was the first 6-year-old black student to set foot into a public school, the outlet reported.
Back then, when the first grader was trying to make way for future students, parents were protesting, teachers refused to teach and students refused to attend classes. Through it all, the 6-year-old’s teacher, Barbara Henry, stood by her side, doing whatever it takes to ensure she got what she fought for — equality in education. A few years after Bridges, Ralph found herself grappling with racism and for her, too, a teacher’s act changed everything. There was something about Ms. Spencer, a young woman at the time. Ralph initially took a liking to her due to her fragrant perfume that closely reminded her of her mother.
“It was probably something called ‘Joy’ because I remember my mother wearing the same perfume,” she remarked. The actor who played the role of Barbara Howard in the hit series “Abbott Elementary” noted that a lot of her character’s traits were inspired by Ms. Spencer. She looked forward to imbuing kindness, understanding and patience in her role to bring to thousands what she experienced as a little girl. Recalling her kindergarten years and the racism, the woman admitted that it was very tough for her back in the day. Going back into Ruby Bridges’ time, even sitting in the same class as a black student was looked down upon.
Ralph had her devastating share of being shut out on racial grounds, but one gesture from Ms. Spenser transformed everything. “This young woman held my hand,” she remarked. “This is a young white woman in Waterbury, Connecticut. I’m a child of the ’60s and the idea that your teacher was holding you close, no matter what your color was, that just spoke volumes to me,” she added. The actor explained how, through the years, she carried that feeling of acceptance, strength and reassurance with her. “I can still feel it to this day. I am left-handed and I can still feel it and see where I stood with that teacher,” Ralph remarked. For her, the simple gesture was a powerful one. It held love, support and encouragement that she was free to be who she wanted and could love wholeheartedly without barriers, just like her teacher did.