On Thursday morning, students gathered at San Jose City Hall to participate in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a nationwide event that celebrates a pivotal moment in Civil Rights history.
Students from Notre Dame High School paid tribute to Ruby Bridges, who, at just six years old in 1960, became the first African American student to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans, facing fierce and hostile opposition from a racist mob.
One of the participating students, Helena Ledeit, emphasized the importance of activism as a tool for enacting change. “Students, especially, are so passionate about it. There are so many ways to be involved—through art, protests, or even this simple walk,” Ledeit said. “I want to see change in the world; I want to be a part of it and leave this place better than I found it.”
Tanisha Fitzgerald, the director of student leadership and a mathematics teacher, highlighted the significance of inspiring young people to take brave actions similar to Bridges’s. “It’s important for them to realize that their age doesn’t limit their ability to make a difference. This six-year-old girl did something courageous, and they can too,” Fitzgerald remarked.
The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day was initiated in 2017 by a group of fifth-grade students in South San Francisco, reflecting a growing awareness among youth about their potential impact in advocating for social justice.
This event serves as a powerful reminder that the spirit of activism lives on in today’s youth, showcasing their commitment to creating a better future. Through such gatherings, young individuals can not only honor past struggles but also ignite conversations that push for progress in their communities.
Overall, the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is a hopeful reflection of the ongoing journey toward equality and the role youth play in that effort.