On Thursday morning, students gathered at San Jose City Hall to celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a nationwide homage to an important moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Students from Notre Dame High School commemorated the remarkable journey of Ruby Bridges, who, at just six years old in 1960, became the first African American student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, facing significant hostility and racism in the process.
Helena Ledeit, a participating student, emphasized the power of activism in driving change. “Students especially are so passionate about it. All around, you can be involved — through art, through protest, even through this simple walk,” she stated. “I want to see a change in the world; I want to be a part of it and leave this place a little better than I came into it.”
Tanisha Fitzgerald, a mathematics teacher and director of student leadership, echoed this sentiment, encouraging her students to realize their potential for courageous actions akin to those of Bridges. “I think it’s important for them to know that it doesn’t matter how old they are or how young they are; the focus is that this 6-year-old girl could do something brave, and so could they,” Fitzgerald remarked.
This annual observance, first initiated in 2017 by a group of fifth-grade students in South San Francisco, continues to inspire young activists and reminds them of the enduring impact individuals can have on society.
The event highlights the importance of teaching younger generations about the values of courage and activism, instilling a sense of responsibility to create a better world. By participating in such commemorations, students not only honor the legacy of Ruby Bridges but also foster a deep commitment to social change.