💜 Manzanita Elementary School Honors Courage and Inclusion with Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day 💜

Manzanita Elementary School Honors Courage and Inclusion with Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

 

Manzanita Elementary School hosted its fourth annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Friday, November 14, which honors one of the most iconic moments in the civil rights movement and celebrates the values of courage, inclusion, and community.
Organized by Kathleen Bowman with the support of Principal Rob Henikman, the event brought together students, families, and staff for a meaningful morning of reflection and unity. Superintendent Dr. Denise Bartlett joined the celebration, offering her encouragement and helping amplify the day’s message of shared responsibility and belonging.

A National Day of Courage

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is observed nationwide each November 14 to commemorate the date in 1960 when 6-year-old Ruby Bridges bravely became one of the first Black students to desegregate a public elementary school in New Orleans. Her courageous walk, escorted by federal marshals through a crowd of protesters, became a defining symbol of the civil rights movement.
The event began in 2018 when a group of student leaders at Martin Elementary School in California sought to honor Ruby’s bravery. Since then, it has grown into a national movement supported by organizations such as the Safe Routes Partnership and AAA. Schools across the country participate each year in uplifting messages of justice, compassion, and community action.

A Morning of Reflection at Manzanita

During the welcome remarks, organizer Kathleen Bowman expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and the Manzanita community’s ongoing commitment to the event. She then welcomed Dean of Students Kirsten Tobin, who emphasized the enduring relevance of Ruby Bridges’ story.
Tobin reminded the crowd that Ruby’s example represents “countless other people who were standing up and fighting for civil rights, and were fighting against bullying and against racism.” She encouraged students to embody those same values of courage and kindness every day at school.
“Today, we here at Manzanita are going to join in that,” Tobin said. “We’re all going to make Manzanita the kind of school where every single kid feels safe and feels valued.”

Walking Together for a Better Community

As part of the national tradition, students and families wore purple, recognized as the color of courage, to honor Ruby Bridges and the bravery she demonstrated decades ago. After meeting at the La Encantada parking lot, the group set off together on the walk to Manzanita, symbolizing not only Ruby’s historic journey but the shared commitment to building safer, more inclusive spaces for all children.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day also serves as a “Day of Dialogue,” inviting schools to discuss how they can strengthen and make their communities more welcoming. At Manzanita, the event remains a meaningful opportunity for reflection and action, reinforcing the school’s commitment to ensuring that all students feel valued, respected, and supported. With enthusiastic participation and heartfelt messages, Manzanita’s fourth annual celebration served as a poignant reminder of how even the smallest steps, taken together, can move a community forward.