Many may not recall her name, but they recognize the photo and painting of the small girl being escorted into school accompanied by the U.S. Marshalls. That girl, in her neat dress, shoes, white socks and a bow in her hair, was Ruby Bridges, who in 1960 walked past a White mob full of hatred to integrate her school in New Orleans, LA.
A simple act of courage by a six-year-old has grown into a day to encourage students to take part in their own forms of activism to bring an end to racism and all forms of bullying.
In her honor, since 2017, there’s been a growing movement to recognize Nov. 14 as Ruby Ridges Walk to School Day, an annual day of dialogue to commemorate her historic steps.
This year Bridges, who has made it her life mission to advocate on the values of tolerance respect and appreciation of all differences, will celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in Topeka with an in person presentation from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Washburn University’s White Concert Hall, Topeka
In addition, to help spread the conversation about ending racism and bullying across the state, ten remote live streams of the event will be available to schools across Kansas. Additional information on school registrations for the in-person event and the remote live streams can be found at www.RubyBridgesinKS24.org.
Districts, schools, clubs, church/community groups can sign up to participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, as they see fit, even if their school is not part of the Topeka event. There are no “rules,” but plenty of suggestions for a “Day of Dialogue,” if they need help getting started.
“The primary mission of this event is to inspire youth through Ruby Bridges’ story, promoting unity, bravery, and the power of young people to drive positive change,” explains Kansas State Representative Valdenia Winn. “We aim for students to leave the event feeling empowered and more deeply connected to Kansas history and the stories that reflect resilience, progress, and the importance of standing up for what’s right,” adds Winn.
Why Topeka, Kansas?
In 2023, Kansas celebrated its first Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day with a proclamation by Gov. Laura Kelly and participation in seven counties. Recognizing the connection between Bridges’ and Topeka’s history with school desegregation, organizers saw a unique opportunity to ask Ruby to celebrate Walk to School Day this year in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education.
With leadership from KS Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, the state of Kansas legislature passed a resolution and joined students in Kansas with extending an invitation to Bridges to “Come to Kansas.”
Check out this video featuring Kansas children that was sent to Ruby, asking her to come to Kansas.
And Ruby Bridges said YES!
Sponsorship Support Needed
Steering committee members for the event include KS Rep. Barbara W. Ballard, former KS School Board member Carolyn Campbell, KS Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau; Dr. Beryl New, KS Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin; KS Rep. and KCK School Board Member Dr. Valdenia Winn and former Wichita City Councilmember LaVonta Williams.
A variety of sponsorship packages are available. For more information go to https://bit.ly/3UjLOUG or contact Rep Poskin at info@RubyBridgesinKS24.org.
Event sponsors will also have the opportunity to meet with Ruby Bridges following the event.
