Sixty-four years ago, a 6 year old walked to school.

It became national headlines and a fact students learn about each year.

Ruby Bridges was the first African-American student to attend an all-white public elementary school in New Orleans on Nov. 14, 1960. She walked to school each day since she was denied a seat on the school bus because of the color of her skin.

Now, students not only learn about the impact she had on schools, but they take part in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a nationwide annual walk that honors her courage and resilience.

Grant Elementary’s 322 students participated in 0.25-mile walk to a nearby church and back to commemorate Bridges. Many wore purple, Bridges’ favorite color, and some wore Ruby Bridges’ walk hats and carried pendants which Principal Jill Burnside acquired for the walk.

“This made it a little bit more real; it brought an awareness,” she said. “Sometimes, some history can be lost, and students may not be aware of things that happened. Now, the students understand she did something she believed in. They understand they can stand up and make a difference in their lives as well.”

Some students linked arms; younger students were paired up with upper-grade students. They were escorted by Murray Police. Bridges, back in the day, was escorted by federal marshals.

“We adjusted it from walking to school to walking to the church since more than half our students don’t live in our boundaries,” Burnside said. “At the church, we talked about her — many of them didn’t realize she’s still alive — and what she stood up for. We talked about empathy; that’s our character trait for the month. I told them, ‘We can be brave and empathetic,’ and I’m hoping they understood. I hope they can learn from her example.” λ