HELENA — Across the nation on Friday and Monday, students and families are taking concrete steps to honor civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, recognizing the six-year-old girl who bravely integrated a New Orleans elementary school in 1960.
In Helena Central Elementary, students demonstrated that courage starts at any age and that Bridges’ first steps into that school more than six decades ago still move us forward today.
Watch the full story below:
“I am most excited to celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day because it just makes everybody come together and walk to school,” Juniper Rye, a fifth grader at Central, said.
Students walked from home and different meeting points across town before ending up at school, where they learned more about Bridges’ story and activism.
“I really hope that the children can continue these conversations not only in the classroom but at home and learn so much about activism and how they can help our community,” Libby Kenney, a teacher at Central, added.
Students then marched around the block, following in the footsteps of Bridges.
“Ruby Bridges was the first African American kid to go to an all-white school,” Rye said.
On November 14, 1960, Bridges walked to school surrounded by a hostile crowd of adults screaming racial slurs and threats. Despite this, she did not miss a single day of school that year.
“We are honoring Ruby Bridges for her bravery, her kindness, and just coming together to remind us all that even six-year-olds can be strong in a community and have a voice with courage,” Sarah Sandau, a parent who walked students to school, said.
Montana's history with segregation included legalized racial segregation in schools in the 1870s, which was repealed in 1895, according to the Montana Historical Society.
Segregation in practice persisted long after, though systemic issues were addressed through state and federal civil rights legislation in the mid- to late 20th century.
“It is important to love everybody because love makes this world a better place,” Rye said.
This is the fourth year Central School has joined the national Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
