As Walk and Roll to School Month wraps up, schools and municipalities can keep the momentum going by participating in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day this November.
In 2018, after learning that six-year-old Ruby Bridges had braved a sea of school integration protestors as she walked to school in 1960, a group of fifth graders in South San Francisco wanted to recognize her bravery, resilience, and the change she inspired. With help from the San Mateo County Safe Routes to School Program, they founded Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on November 14th, the anniversary of Bridges’ symbolic walk. It was codified into California state law in 2021 and today is celebrated across the nation to inspire children to create positive change in their communities. In 2025 alone, 800,000 students across the country walked to school on Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
Ruby Bridges, a civil rights movement leader, is widely recognized for her anti-racism advocacy and activism. Only six decades ago, she demonstrated immense courage by being one of the first African American children to be integrated into an all-white public elementary school in New Orleans, signifying an end to era of Jim Crow segregation laws. She and her family were met with much resistance, requiring her to be escorted by multiple federal marshals as she walked. This historical moment transformed her into a national icon for the civil rights movement, a legacy she continues to this day.
To plan a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event or to explore other fun and informative Safe Routes to School programs, please reach out to your TMA Regional Safe Routes to School Coordinator.
Learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at the Ruby Bridges Foundation.
