Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is a nationally recognized event on November 14th which honors the living legacy of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges and the impact she had on racial equality in our nation’s educational system, as well as emphasizes the values of anti-racism, anti-bullying, and student-led activism. Ruby's experience as a child shaped her life’s work and today her message encourages students to "be changemakers" in their schools, their communities, and beyond.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day brought to you in partnership with:

Taking Steps to be
Changemakers!

The School District of Springfield Township, in partnership with the Multicultural Parents Association (MPA), and Enfield-Erdenheim Home and School Partnership (EEHSP) are working together to create a meaningful day full of rich learning opportunities, fun activities, and an in-school walk experience for our Enfield and Erdenheim Elementary students. This special day will also include presentations and dialogue with educators, community leaders, and secondary students (grades 6–12) about how our students can be changemakers!

In 1960, Ruby Bridges (September 8, 1954—present) walked through the doors of William Frantz Elementary School, in New Orleans, Louisiana. By doing so, she became the first African-American student to attend an all-white elementary school in the Southern United States. Courtesy of Time For Kids

Classroom Videos

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day initiative presented a unique and exciting opportunity for students to hear from local leaders, teachers, students, and administrators about their experiences as changemakers in our community and the world.

Thank you to:

• the students of Springfield's Voices of Excellence (VOE) Committee for their informative and inspiring video

• PA State Rep. Napolean Nelson, Springfield Township BOC VP Susanna Ratsavong, former BOC President Eddie Graham, Esq., teachers Diedre Wright and Tonja Smith, and SDST Superintendent MaryJo Yannacone for participating in the creation of an impactful video which sparked meaningful dialogue between our students and educators.

We are proud to share these videos with you. Enjoy!

Video from our Local Changemakers (above); video from VOE (below)

You're Invited to the Walk!

On Thursday, November 14th, families are invited to come out in support of our rising “changemakers” as they process around campus to commemorate Ruby's historic steps. We encourage students and parents to wear purple for the event, and if you can safely do so, even walk to school! All students will receive a purple wristband as part of this celebration.

Please see walk times for your child's school below:

Enfield: 9:15 am

Families may gather around the bus loop

Erdenheim: 2 pm

Families may gather on the sidewalks extending from the main entrance

We hope to see you there!

Norman Rockwell paid tribute to Ruby's experience in his painting, "The Problem We All Live With."

Ruby Bridges' first day at William Frantz Elementary School was very unusual. Integration, or the sharing of schools by African American and white people, had recently become law in 1960. She was one of the first African American students to attend an all-white public school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Many people did not want her to go to the school. An angry mob yelled hateful remarks at her as she entered the school building. She had to be guarded by federal marshals to ensure her safety. But Ruby entered and stayed at the school, becoming one of the first African Americans to integrate a public school in the state of Louisiana.

Courtesy of www.knowitall.org/