A Joint Resolution designating November 14 of each year as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
Whereas, On November 14, 1960, six-year old Ruby Bridges walked to school and integrated the first elementary school in the South; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954 to parents Lucille and Abon Bridges and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana; and
Whereas, In 1954, the United States Supreme Court issued the landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, ending racial segregation in public schools; and
Whereas, Numerous southern states, including Louisiana, failed to integrate their public schools following the United States Supreme Court’s ruling; and
Whereas, In 1960, a federal court ordered Louisiana to desegregate their public schools beginning on November 14 of that year; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges passed the entrance exam for the then all-white public William Frantz Elementary School; and
Whereas, On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges and her mother were escorted by federal marshals to the William Frantz Elementary School where Ruby faced violent protesters; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges experienced blatant racism from protesters and parents every day throughout her first year of attendance at William Frantz Elementary; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges had to be taught in a classroom by herself as all other students were pulled out at the request of their parents; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges had to remain separate from the other children and was not allowed to go to the cafeteria or outside for recess; and
Whereas, Despite these hardships, Ruby Bridges never missed a day of school and by the end of her first year, the school decided to admit more African American children the following year; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges’ act of bravery inspired America and paved the way for other African American children across the country; and
Whereas, Famous painter Norman Rockwell depicted Ruby Bridges walking to school in his painting “The Problem We All Live With” which has endured as one of Rockwell’s most renowned pieces; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges became a lifelong activist for racial equality by establishing The Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999, which uses educational initiatives to promote tolerance and unity among schoolchildren; and
Whereas, Ruby Bridges has gained numerous accolades for her life’s work, including the Carter G. Woodson Book Award and the honorary title of deputy federal marshal; and
Whereas, It is fitting for the State of New Jersey to designate November 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day to celebrate the courage of young Ruby Bridges and the impact her actions had on African American children across America; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
C.36:2-474 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, November 14.
1. November 14 of each year is designated as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
C.36:2-475 Annual proclamation.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials, citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day with appropriate programs and activities.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved March 17, 2025.