Join AAA for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Nov. 14 is Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a student-led movement started by AAA School Safety Patrollers in 2018. 

The annual walk and day of dialogue honors Ruby Bridges, who became a civil rights icon on her first day of first grade on Nov. 14, 1960. Six-year-old Ruby was one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white school in Louisiana. Images of her brave and historic walk to school, guarded by federal marshals, and a famous illustration by Norman Rockwell are widely recognized and have become symbolic of the civil rights movement.

More than 60 years later, Ruby’s vision has inspired a new generation to end racism and all forms of bullying, one step at a time.

The idea for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day stemmed from fifth graders at Martin Elementary School in San Francisco, who sparked the movement. AAA partnered with the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 2022, and the event has continued to grow. In 2024, there were more than 700,000 participants across the country and three international locations.

Join AAA Northeast and communities across the country for the annual walk — participation is free! Click here to register your school and access teaching resources.

AAA also encourages people to wear purple that day in support of the Ruby Bridges Foundation.

A Meaningful Tradition

The Prospect Park School District in New Jersey was one of the first to participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in 2022.

“It’s a meaningful, community-wide learning experience that elevates anti-racism, youth empowerment and safety,” said Dr. Tyeshia A. Reels, who led the district’s involvement while serving as superintendent and principal.

In 2023, Ruby Bridges visited the district and inspired students and staff with her story. At the event, assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter pledged to pursue legislation to designate Nov. 14 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in New Jersey — and in 2024, it passed in the senate.

Below, New Jersey Sen. Angela V. McKnight puts in her vote:

Sen. Kevin Parker — who attended the 2024 Walk to School Day event at Brooklyn P.S. 198 alongside Ruby Bridges — introduced a similar resolution in New York, which was officially adopted by the state Senate earlier this year.

To help other schools get involved, Reels suggests identifying a school or district lead and engaging community partners, such as the PTA, local officials and law enforcement.

“Register through the official event site, prepare age-appropriate learning activities, plan safe walking routes and visibility, including signage, shirts and banners, and conclude with reflection and the next steps for continued learning,” she said.

“And if you are ever able to host Ruby Bridges in person, do it,” Reels added. “Your staff and students will not be the same. Her delivery is powerful and deeply impactful. Several of my teachers — each with more than 20 years in education — shared that it was the most profound moment of their careers.”

Sign up your school!