On Friday, November 14th, the Charles H. Bullock School community participated in the Township’s first ever
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. The event honored civil rights icon Ruby Bridges who integrated her all-white school in 1960. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day encourages young people to celebrate while wearing Ruby's favorite color, purple, to show their commitment to taking a stand against racism and bullying and make positive changes. It also builds upon Walk and Roll to School Day, an annual event celebrated each October in Safe Routes to School programs.
Thanks to a grant from Friends of Howe House, CHB is the first school in Montclair to be selected for this event. The school's 5th graders put forth a proclamation to the Township Council to officially declare November 14th Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in Montclair which was accepted by Mayor Renee Baskerville at its meeting on Wednesday.
Leading up to the event, students read age-appropriate books about Ruby Bridges and, with generous donations of supplies from the PTA and BARET, created signs to march with. Following the walk, Principal Nami Kuwabara led everyone in a mindful breathing exercise that focused on spreading kindness, students shared what they learned, and Mayor Baskerville addressed the whole school.
Said Principal Kuwabara, "I could not be prouder of our students and staff for their dedication not only to making this event a success but to carrying on Ruby’s legacy."
