Ruby Duncan Honored at Ruby Duncan Elementary School
Nevada’s leading welfare activist, Ruby Duncan, was celebrated at Ruby Duncan Elementary School in North Las Vegas on Tuesday. The 92-year-old Duncan, who played a pivotal role in advocating for welfare programs in Nevada, was pleasantly surprised to be recognized at the school named in her honor.
Duncan fondly recalled watching the school being built and was joined by friends and family at the ceremony. She reflected on her tireless efforts to improve the welfare system in Nevada, which led to the creation of programs like Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and food stamps.
The staff and students of Ruby Duncan Elementary School declared the day as “Ruby Duncan Day” to honor the remarkable legacy of their school’s namesake. The relationship between a school and its namesake is indeed special, as it allows students to learn about and be inspired by the profound change-makers in their community.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Empowerment
Throughout her life, Ruby Duncan dedicated herself to advocating for children’s health, education, and the betterment of her community. Her son, David Phillips, spoke proudly of his mother’s unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
One of the most significant moments in Duncan’s advocacy journey was the 1971 protest at Caesars Palace, where she and a group of determined women demanded better welfare conditions for their families. This bold action ultimately led to significant changes in Nevada’s welfare system, showcasing Duncan’s fearlessness and determination.
Impact on Las Vegas Community
The impact of Ruby Duncan’s work extended far beyond her advocacy for welfare reform. Speakers at the ceremony, including Vegas PBS journalist Maria Silva and former congresswoman Shelley Berkley, highlighted Duncan’s influence on the Las Vegas community.
Silva, who had the privilege of working on a documentary about Duncan’s life, shared how the welfare services that Duncan helped create had a direct impact on her upbringing as a child of an immigrant. Berkley commended Duncan’s extraordinary efforts in uniting women to demand better conditions for their families and her pivotal role in shutting down the Las Vegas Strip during the welfare protest.
As Duncan held her Emmy award in hand, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on her journey from a sharecropper’s daughter in Louisiana to a revered welfare activist in Nevada. Her message of empowerment and resilience resonated with all those in attendance, inspiring them to advocate for change and exercise their right to vote.
In conclusion, Ruby Duncan’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the impact one individual can have on an entire community. Her unwavering dedication to advocating for those in need continues to inspire current and future generations to stand up for justice and equality. As we celebrate Ruby Duncan Day, let us honor her spirit of resilience and empowerment by continuing to fight for a more just and equitable society for all.
