ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Honoring the pioneering steps of Ruby Bridges to integrate education, students, parents and staff at Edna Batey Elementary School participated in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

On the morning of Nov. 14, the walkers gathered at nearby Simpson Park and walked the perimeter of the school. 

They were accompanied by a second-line brass band, a feature of celebrations in New Orleans, where Bridges grew up. 

On Nov. 14, 1960, at the age of 6, Bridges started attending an all-white school despite vitriolic opposition. Now 70, Bridges continues to advocate for racial equality and an end to bullying.

Principal William Jones said the participants agreed that the event had been a success and fostered a greater sense of community.

“My biggest thing is that the kids had an experience and they recognized it to be incredibly important and they had fun as well,” Jones told the Citizen.

“I had a lot of fun walking with all my classmates and everyone and just celebrating the day that Ruby came to school,” said Jade Ingram, a fourth grader at Edna Batey and vice president of the school’s Black Student Union. The student group learns about “courageous Black heroes around the world that did an amazing step that changes the world.”

The Black Student Union read a poem in Bridges’ honor titled “Ruby Bridges’ Brave Step” by Latorial Faison, as well as a proclamation from the Elk Grove Unified School District board of education.

Jade shared the lesson that she takes from Bridges’ story.

“I learned that even though someone is mean to you, just try to let it go and try to think about the good things and not the bad things,” Jade said. H