In November 1960, 6-year old Ruby Bridges integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ruby's act of showing up for school each day played an important role in the Civil Rights movement. To honor her, Wednesday has been designated as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
In spring of 2018, a group of fifth-graders from Martin Elementary School in the South San Francisco Unified School District asked their school board to pass a resolution making Nov. 14 Ruby Bridges Day. The San Mateo County Office of Education Safe Routes to School team then met with the students to create a walk to school day event.
Since the first event was held in 2018, the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day has grown exponentially. The 2020 walk was the first national event. This year, the California State Senate passed a resolution recognizing the event, while Ruby Bridges restarted her foundation, making the walk the centerpiece of her organization’s work.
MTC supports Safe Routes to School programs across the Bay Area encouraging safe walking and bicycling to schools.
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