Commute Options urges the community to participate in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors the courageous steps Ruby Bridges took when he became the first black student to attend an all-white elementary school in 1960 amid the Civil Rights Movement.

Ruby was greeted at school by a horde 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 educate our youth about the civil rights era and connect 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 and demonstrate their shared commitment to ending racism. Visiting the school in Ruby’s honor allows students to reflect on and engage in dialogue about Ruby’s journey while supporting today’s efforts for positive change.

Families are welcome to attend Commute Options’ special Ruby Bridges Park & ​​Walk event, held at two meeting points in Bend.

At each location, community leaders will provide insight into Ruby Bridges’ impact on social justice, equity and inclusion. From these starting points, students and families walk together to their schools, accompanied by adult leaders.

Find out more about our meetings here; All students and schools are encouraged and welcome to take part in walks or coordinate their own walking groups. Visit our website and help us plan your route today!

Commute Options, a nonprofit organization based in Bend, works to develop transportation solutions that connect people of all ages to their communities. Through a commitment to active transportation, infrastructure improvements and partnerships, Commute Options educates and inspires Central Oregon communities to adopt safer, healthier and more inclusive ways to commute. For more information about Ruby Bridges, visit her foundation website.