Hundreds of students, families, and community members from Gage Elementary, Pershing Middle, and Patrick Henry High School will come together on Friday, November 14, for the fourth annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day—a student-driven event celebrating courage, inclusion, and the ongoing pursuit of equity in education.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., students dressed in purple shirts and carrying lunchboxes will begin a symbolic walk to school in honor of Ruby Bridges, who, at just six years old, became the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in Louisiana in 1960 (Map).
The annual event continues to grow and organizers anticipate as many as 400 attendees will participate. The walk brings together students across grade levels to promote unity and celebrate diversity through student-led reflection, art, and conversation.
“Ruby Bridges’ story reminds us of the power of courage, empathy, and the importance of how the decisions of adults can affect our children’s innocence and wellbeing,”said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District, who plans to attend this year’s event. “Our students are honoring her legacy by leading this celebration and carrying her message of inclusion forward in their own schools and communities.”
This collaborative event is part of a broader effort by San Diego Unified to empower students to take an active role in building inclusive school environments and strengthening community connections. Schools across San Diego Unified, including Hamilton and Ibarra Elementary, will join the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day to honor her courage and legacy of inclusion.
More information about the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, including registration details and event history, is available at: https://pershingmiddleschoolfoundation.org/rubybridges.
In alignment with San Diego Unified’s Student Achievement Goal #1: Student Wellness, the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day highlights the district’s ongoing commitment to student voice, belonging, and well-being.
