While walking to school Thursday morning, Birney Elementary School students learned about the courage of an important civil-rights pioneer: Ruby Bridges.
On Nov. 14, 1960, Bridges became the first Black student to attend a formerly all-white school in New Orleans. Angry protesters yelled and hurled racial slurs at the 6-year-old as she passed. Yet accompanied by U.S. marshals, Bridges persevered.
Tacoma Public Schools commemorated the history-making moment on Thursday, 64 years later. Administrators shepherded students up sidewalks and passed out purple bracelets. Custom purple flags declared: “Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day” to honor the national annual event.
Nevaeh MacLeod, who attends fifth grade at Birney, 7627 S. Sheridan Ave., was struck by Bridges’ courage.
“I think that she was brave to go,” the 10-year-old said.
Thursday’s event coincided with the local “ walking school bus ,” in which grown-ups escort students to school on foot. Nevaeh likes the walking school bus because it helps students get to class safely.