Commute Options urges community participation in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors the courageous steps taken by Ruby Bridges as the first Black student to attend an all-white elementary school in 1960, amidst the Civil Rights Movement.
Ruby was greeted at school by mobs of protesting parents and students. While racial slurs were chanted and signs were waved, Ruby continued to walk to school every day.
This day serves as an opportunity to teach our youth about the civil rights era, connecting Ruby’s story to the ongoing pursuit of social justice, equity, and inclusion.
Join the Movement – On Thursday, November 14, 2024, students and families are encouraged to walk to school, joining together to demonstrate a shared commitment to ending racism. Walking to school in Ruby’s honor allows students to reflect and participate in dialog about Ruby’s journey while supporting today’s efforts toward positive change.
Families are invited to join Commute Options for a special Ruby Bridges Park & Walk Event, with two gathering locations in Bend.
At each location, community leaders will share insights into Ruby Bridges' impact on social justice, equity, and inclusion. From these starting points, students and families will walk together to their schools, accompanied by adult leaders.
Learn about our gatherings here; https://www.commuteoptions.org/rbwtsd/. All students and schools are encouraged and welcomed to participate by walking or coordinating their own walking groups. Head to our website to help plan your route today!
Commute Options, a Bend-based nonprofit, works to create transportation solutions that connect people of all ages with their communities. Through advocacy for active transportation, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships, Commute Options educates and inspires Central Oregon communities to embrace safer, healthier, and more inclusive ways of commuting. For more information on Ruby Bridges, check out her foundation website; https://rubybridges.foundation/
