Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Jackson Elementary Honors Ruby Bridges With Walk of Courage Day

[Pasadena Unified photo]

The event celebrated courage, inclusion, belonging and civic engagement through art, storytelling and literacy

Pasadena Unified’s Mary W. Jackson STEAM Multilingual Magnet Elementary School hosted Ruby Bridges Walk of Courage Day on Thursday, Nov. 13, spotlighting the civil rights icon’s legacy and the importance of safe, inclusive learning environments.

Funded by a grant from the Ruby Bridges Foundation, the event invited students to reflect on Bridges’ historic role in integrating an all-white elementary school in Louisiana in 1960 at age six. Her story served as a foundation for campus-wide activities exploring courage, justice and community action.

Students participated in a walk-through storytelling installation featuring large art panels that illustrated key moments from Bridges’ journey. Parent volunteers and student leaders read stories about Bridges in classrooms, linking literacy with themes of social justice and personal bravery.

A schoolwide chalk art path symbolized Bridges’ “steps of courage,” with students adding inspiring words and illustrations. Each student also created a “Flag of Hope” pennant with messages of bravery, justice, hope and kindness.

The Walk of Courage Day reflects Jackson Elementary’s ongoing commitment to culturally enriching experiences that promote student voice, belonging and civic engagement. Through art, storytelling and literacy, students connected with Bridges’ legacy and considered their own roles in shaping inclusive communities.