Starting this fall, November 14 will become Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in California, thanks to the efforts of fifth-graders at a South San Francisco school with an ambitious goal of making the special day of recognition for the civil rights pioneer a national observance.
“Ruby Bridges is a role model to our youth, particularly young girls, and her courageous act demonstrates the immense potential our young people have to become leaders,” said State Senator Josh Becker, D-Peninsula. “As the first Black child to desegregate her New Orleans elementary school in 1960, Ruby has inspired generations of Americas of all ages to stand up for civil rights.
“The fifth-graders taught by Deborah Carlino at Martin Elementary School in my district have taken Ruby’s legacy to heart. They are working to gain widespread and increasing recognition for Ruby, who when she was just 6 years old walked to school day after day amid angry mobs spewing racial epithets and other hate speech. I am proud to have helped the fifth-graders of Martin Elementary School advance their campaign.”
Senator Becker introduced Senate Resolution 59 to proclaim November 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in our state. The Senate passed the resolution today with a unanimous, bipartisan vote. The measure takes effect upon its filing with the California Secretary of State’s Office.