On Friday, November 14, schools across the United States will take part in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, celebrating courage, unity, and student-led change. The initiative honors six-year-old Ruby Bridges, who in 1960 became the first Black child to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Her act of bravery changed history and continues to inspire students to stand for equality and kindness.
The movement began when a group of AAA School Safety Patrollers from Martin Elementary in South San Francisco learned Ruby’s story and asked why there wasn’t a day to honor her walk. With support from a national nonprofit that promotes safe, equitable walking and biking to school, the idea became an official statewide recognition in California and has since grown into a nationwide effort engaging more than 650,000 participants in 2023.
MSCS Schools Honor Ruby Bridges’ Legacy
Across Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), students and educators are joining the movement with schoolwide activities that celebrate Ruby Bridges’ courage and commitment to equality.
The Cordova Middle School Student Council will lead a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Friday, November 14, at 9:30 a.m. Students will walk together to celebrate unity, respect, and the power of youth to make a difference. The event serves as a reminder that courage and community can create lasting change.
Scenic Hills Elementary School
Students in Pre-K through 1st grade will walk around the school perimeter beginning at 9:15 a.m. while holding posters and singing a song about Ruby Bridges to commemorate her historic impact. The event encourages even the youngest learners to embrace empathy, unity, and pride in diversity.
Sheffield High students will take part in “Knights Walking for Change: Courage in Every Step” on November 14 at 9 a.m. The initiative is led by the SAVE Club and the School Counseling Student Advisory Committee. Students will begin by viewing a short video about Ruby Bridges’ story before gathering on the front lawn (weather permitting) or in the gymnasium to walk around the school’s parking lot. During the walk, they will enjoy music and guided conversations using “talking cards” to reflect on courage and inclusivity. The SAVE Club will also create posters and a banner to display during the event.
William H. Brewster Elementary School
Students will honor Ruby Bridges on Wednesday, November 12, through individual classroom recognitions and discussions. The school will also host a purple theme day where students and staff wear purple to represent dignity, courage, and resilience, traits that Ruby Bridges embodied.
Ruby Bridges once said, “Racism is a grown-up disease. Let’s stop using our kids to spread it.” Her message continues to resonate across generations. As MSCS students step out in unity alongside peers nationwide, they are proving that courage, compassion, and community can lead the way toward lasting change, one step at a time.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.