Students Take Part in Bakersfield’s First Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Walking together on a chilly late fall morning, students were greeted by Blue Zones Project volunteers who guided them along four different walking routes back to Williams Elementary School. As students made their way along the morning paths, their footsteps echoed the bravery and resilience found in Ruby Bridges’ story.

At just six years old, Bridges became the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. Her walk into William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960 — surrounded by federal marshals and crowds of protestors — became a defining moment in the civil rights movement and a powerful symbol of courage.

Once on campus, students gathered for a school assembly where they learned how Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors that historic moment and encourages students to reflect on the impact one brave child can have in creating a more inclusive and just society.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is a national event typically held on November 14. This year marks the first time it has been celebrated in Bakersfield, though inclement weather led Williams Elementary to move its local celebration to December 5 to ensure student safety.

“As our students walk together, we celebrate not only Ruby’s legacy but our shared commitment to safety, kindness and unity,” said Kimberly Cruz, Assistant Principal of Williams Elementary School. “Ruby Bridges’ bravery reminds us that even the smallest steps can inspire great change.”

Karina Funez, Policy Supervisor for the Blue Zones Project, explained the organization has been partnering with the City of Bakersfield to support Safe Routes to School efforts as part of the Prosperity Neighborhoods Initiative in the MLK, Niles, and Monterey areas.

Children and parents cross Niles St. on their way to Williams Elementary School during the first-ever Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

“When the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day became available, our team — along with Children First and Community Interventions — quickly applied,” she said. “Although we were not selected for the mini-grant, our organizations chose to move forward with the event anyway.”

Williams Elementary was eager to partner with Blue Zones Project, especially because it is considered an all-walking school — meaning students either walk from home or are dropped off nearby and finish the journey on foot.

Located in an older neighborhood with aging infrastructure, the school faces unique challenges in ensuring students can walk safely each day. For this reason, the Ruby Bridges Walk to School event provided a meaningful platform to teach students key pedestrian safety skills and promote safer routes to school.

The Blue Zones Project Bakersfield encourages schools to participate in the Walking School Bus Initiative, which provides schools with the safe walking routes and volunteer support they need to facilitate similar events on their own campuses.

The organization offers various volunteer opportunities throughout the year. To find out more, visit bakersfield.bluezonesproject.com or email bzpbakersfield@bluezones.com.