On Ruby Bridges Day, students around the nation honor the courage and resilience of a young girl who, at just six years old, became a symbol of change in the fight for civil rights. Ruby’s walk to school in 1960 wasn’t just a walk—it was a groundbreaking moment in history that paved the way for greater inclusivity and equity in education. Today, Ruby Bridges’ legacy inspires us to reflect on how we can create safer, more inclusive communities for all students.
What does a walk to school look like in 2025?
Tens of thousands of students around the region rely on their parents to drive them to and from school because the sidewalks and roads are too dangerous for pedestrian. Long pickup and drop-off lines snake around neighborhoods and create even more dangerous conditions for families, polluting the air around homes and increasing traffic congestion within these communities.
Over sixty years after Ruby’s walk, when thinking about how inclusivity and equity looks in the context of an activity as simple as the ability to walk safely to school, take a moment to pause and consider what the journey in your own neighborhood looks and feels like for a child to arrive at their classroom.
Many roads in the region have sidewalks that are open to heavy amounts of traffic, if there are sidewalks at all.
A Modern Connection to Ruby’s Journey
Ruby Bridges’ walk to school wasn’t just a physical journey—it was a symbolic act that highlighted the barriers children faced in accessing education.
Similarly, many students today face barriers, whether they’re related to infrastructure, safety, or accessibility. When it comes to investments in creating safe neighborhoods, many communities are recognizing the importance of three major initiatives:
-
-
- Improving Infrastructure: Adding sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes to make routes safer.
-
- Fostering Community Collaboration: Encouraging local governments, schools, and families to work together to identify and solve safety concerns.
- Educating Communities: Teaching students and families about pedestrian safety and the importance of active transportation.
Teachers, parents and administrators welcomed students on a rainy Thursday morning after they completed the 2024 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at Hope Hill Elementary in Atlanta.
How You Can Get Involved
On Ruby Bridges Day and beyond, consider these ways to advocate for Safe Routes to School and honor Ruby’s legacy:
- Organize a Walk to School Event: Celebrate the day by hosting a community walk that highlights safe walking paths and promotes awareness about student safety.
- Advocate for Safer Streets: Work with local officials to improve school-zone safety by adding crosswalks, lowering speed limits, or installing crossing guards.
- Raise Awareness: Share stories about Ruby Bridges and connect her legacy to today’s efforts to ensure every child has equitable access to education—starting with a safe way to get there.
- Get Students Involved: Encourage students to become ambassadors for safety and physical health! Empower them to share their experiences and suggest pedestrian-friendly improvements for their communities.
A Legacy of Courage and Connection
Ruby Bridges’ bravery reminds us that the path to change often begins with one courageous step. Find out more about Ruby Bridges Day (straight from Ruby herself!) through the Ruby Bridges Foundation website here.