This year, Greater Mercer TMA (GMTMA) partnered with Hopewell Valley Regional Elementary Schools for Ruby Bridges Day, a powerful day dedicated to remembering Ruby Bridges’ courage and promoting kindness, unity, and resilience among young students. Along with other schools and communities nationwide, we linked the event to the Safe Routes to School initiative to make the day even more impactful, encouraging students to commit to safe and healthy transportation and stand up for a more inclusive, supportive community.
At just six years old, Ruby Bridges made history in 1960 when she walked through an angry mob to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Escorted by federal marshals, her daily walk became a powerful symbol of bravery and determination in the fight for civil rights. On Ruby Bridges Day, we honor her legacy by reflecting on how small, consistent actions—like walking together—can create meaningful change in our communities.
Banners for Change
To capture the spirit of Ruby Bridges Day, each school received a banner for students to sign, pledging their reasons for walking. By walking, students showed their commitment to:
– Ending racism
– Bettering the earth
– Building character
– Stomping out bullying
– Staying healthy and strong
– Standing up for others
– Improving their community
These pledges represent values we hope to instill in our youth, creating a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability. By gathering signatures, students saw firsthand that they were part of a more significant movement united in their commitment to positive change.
Spreading Kindness, One Sticker at a Time
To help students carry these messages beyond Ruby Bridges Day, we designed special stickers featuring the pledge: I walk to… build character, better the earth, and improve my community. These stickers remind children that their actions—big or small—make a difference every day, not just during special events.
Safe Routes, Safe Communities
The Safe Routes to School initiative aims to make walking and biking safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for students. Tying Safe Routes to Ruby Bridges Day allowed students to reflect on how their choices and actions can make their community more inclusive and caring. Connecting Safe Routes isn’t just about road safety; it’s about building safe communities where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Walking together symbolizes unity, shows support for peers, and fosters a school environment where kindness thrives.
A Day for Open Dialogue
Ruby Bridges Day is designed to be more than an event—it invites open conversations among students, teachers, and families. Discussing the themes of courage, kindness, and inclusivity empowers students to speak up for themselves and others, promoting a culture where they feel safe and confident standing against bullying, racism, and exclusion. By connecting these themes to Safe Routes, we remind students that being kind and inclusive doesn’t end when they leave school grounds; it’s a way of life. Through partnerships like this, we hope to build safe paths for students and a brighter, kinder community.