Irving School in Derby hosts safe walking event, honors civil rights icon

Students at Irving School in Derby took part in a walking in foggy conditions activity Thursday as part of the school’s National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Irving School joined schools across the state and region Thursday in hosting a safety event to honor a Civil Rights icon.

Students at Irving School celebrated National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day by listening to a reading I Am Ruby Bridges and participating in safe walking activities. 

This day recognizes the historic event that took place on Nov. 14, 1960, when six-year-old first-grader Ruby Bridges integrated William Frantz Elementary School. 

While Ruby and her family were looking to have access to an education where she could learn in a safe environment and not to make history, her courageous action and historic steps initiated the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools.

In 2018, a class of AAA School Safety Patrollers from Martin Elementary School in South San Francisco, CA, learned about the civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, and her brave walk to school as she became one of the first Black children to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans

With a simple question from one student, “Why isn’t there a day for Ruby?” – an idea was sparked. These young leaders founded Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, with the vision of building a nationwide movement and starting a day of dialogue. 

In 2021, AAA and the Ruby Bridges Foundation partnered to support the Walk to School Day with over 90,000 students across 36 states participating.

The safe walking activities included, a walking school bus, getting a driver’s view from public works vehicles, driving/walking in foggy conditions, and putting on the brakes when pedestrians entering the roadway. 

The event was sponsored by AAA Northeast, Griffin Health Community Outreach, Safe Kids Worldwide, the City of Derby, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Safe Kids Worldwide CEO Torine Creppy attended the event. 

The Ruby Bridges program in Derby was started three years ago by Griffin, AAA, and Irving School to assist students that walk to school. Safe Kids’ focus inclusion and equity compelled the organization to become a sponsor.

“It was an honor and a joy to recognize Ruby Bridges and carry on her legacy of promoting the safety of students as they get to school,” said Cathi Kellett of Griffin Health Community Outreach.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.