Ruby Bridges’ legacy inspires advocacy for safety and change

On the morning of November 14, 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked onto the steps of her new school wearing pigtails, bobby socks, and black Mary Jane shoes, becoming the first African American to attend the formerly whites-only William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Surrounded by three U.S. marshals who protected her from a racially motivated crowd that threw objects and hurled threats, the young Bridges’ courage catapulted conversations about equality and safety for African Americans that encouraged change not only during the Civil Rights Movement, but also beyond 60 Years of inspiration later.

“For me as a child, home was not a safe place, school was my safe place, so Ruby’s story about the lack of that basic safe space touched me emotionally,” said creative and safety advocate Sweeetz LaBamba, who decided to participate nationwide Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day initiative on November 14th.

Led by the Ruby Bridges Foundation, the movement is inspired by the experiences of the organization’s founder, CEO and namesake (now Ruby Bridges Hall) 64 years ago and prioritizes the safety of students traveling to and from school.

LaBamba, founder of Seasoned Settlers, is dedicated to providing a safe route to school for youth in the district and developing programs that promote community integration, recreation and cultural healing.

With a $1,000 grant from Safe Routes Partnership, LaBamba organized a two-day event honoring Bridges Hall’s legacy, including the Ruby Bridges Walk November 13-14 in Washington, D.C. The event will serve over 1,000 youth and a Educational presentations on this include Ruby Bridges at two District of Columbia public schools: Anne Beers Elementary in the Southeast, DC and Leckie Elementary in the Southwest.

Kori Johnson, program and engagement manager for Safe Routes Partnership, highlighted why Bridges Hall’s historic actions resonate so deeply with people across the country.

“There are many people right now who are identifying problems in the world and in their own communities that they want to change. “Many feel overwhelmed and think change is beyond their reach,” Johnson said. “This Ruby Bridges Walk highlights that each of us can make a tangible difference, regardless of our age or economic status in life.”

The district’s two program days

With two days of educational, interactive activities, LaBamba hopes to offer a program that inspires young people to create change.

The educational workshops at Anne Beers and Leckie are facilitated by children’s librarians from the Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library in the Southeast and the William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Neighborhood Library in the Southwest. After the workshop, youth and adults will create banners, posters and artwork that will be displayed during the quarter-mile walk on the second day of the event.

11-year-old Noah Clark said he was excited to take part in the event given his namesake’s legacy.

“She was the first black girl to attend a white school,” he said.

Monique Diop, 52, a former ANC commissioner, said Bridges’ work “encourages everyone to stand up for what is right and teaches that we all have the right to do so, even as a young person.”

Diop emphasized another lesson that all people can learn from the courage of the then six-year-old in 1960.

“More importantly, it shows that big changes can start with seemingly small actions,” she said.

LaBamba said she developed a deep connection to Bridges’ story through her work organizing the walk.

“Although I am passionate about youth through this event, this project has inspired me to be courageous in the face of adversity and not let others’ view of me determine my fate. As a child going through integration, Ruby didn’t know everything, but she knew what she was doing was important,” she told the Informer.

The celebration organizer and safety officer summarized the lessons she learned from Bridges Hall’s contributions.

“Make it scary,” she declared before calling for action. “If you want safe communities or lasting change, it is within your power to make it happen, at any age and at any stage of your life.”