Students Lead Fourth Annual Ruby Bridges Walk To School Day

November 20, 2025

On November 14, hundreds of participants from three San Diego schools—Gage Elementary, Pershing Middle, and Patrick Henry High School—participated in the fourth annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a student-organized commemoration. Approximately 400 students, families, and community members walked to school wearing purple shirts and carrying lunchboxes to honor Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all-white Louisiana elementary school in 1960 at age six. The event featured student-led activities including reflection, art projects, and discussions focused on promoting unity and celebrating diversity.

Who is affected

Students at Gage Elementary, Pershing Middle, and Patrick Henry High School
Students at Hamilton and Ibarra Elementary schools
Families of participating students
Community members in San Diego
San Diego Unified School District
Approximately 400 total attendees

What action is being taken

Students are walking to school in symbolic tribute to Ruby Bridges
Students are leading reflections, creating art, and facilitating conversations
San Diego Unified is empowering students to build inclusive school environments
Multiple schools across San Diego Unified are participating in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Why it matters

This event matters because it engages students directly in understanding and honoring the civil rights movement while making it relevant to their current educational experience. By commemorating Ruby Bridges' courage in desegregating schools, students learn about the ongoing importance of inclusion, diversity, and equity in education. The student-driven nature of the event empowers young people to take active roles in creating welcoming school communities and helps build connections across different grade levels and school communities within the district.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint