Civil rights pioneer Ruby Bridges was honored by students and public officials on Nov. 14 during the Walk to School Day. Despite the heavy rain Denny International Middle School Principal Mary Ingraham spoke to students at a gathering at 26th and Trenton SW prior to walking to Denny International Middle School, where they were greeted by "Lunch Lady" Doree Fazio-Young and given hot chocolate.

Ingraham said, "This means to me the community is coming together to represent making sure just like in Ruby Bridge's legacy that everyone has access, everyone comes together and uses our differences as strengths to make us all greater and better together. It just fills this place with love and just the bright hope that comes with this as we continue to move through in this. This is the best community ever."

Speaking to the students she went further saying, "The Ruby Bridges walk is amplifying the resilience that Ruby Bridges showed, showing up in this rain in these great numbers and showing just how magnificent this community is. Thank you all for being here, coming together. We are representing that, every person. We work towards making sure that they are included, they belong, and they are a part of our community. Each of our individuals, backgrounds, experiences, history come together and make us better. Thank you all for being here, representing this, and being the leaders that you are. I always say it, there is no better community than our Denny community, and you constantly show up. Thank you. Thank you all. My heart goes out to you and I am so honored and so privileged to be the principal in following your lead in these in these leadership moves. Let's go take this walk represent and let's go also get some hot chocolate and warm up from this rain! Proud of you all and inspired by you all."

More about Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi. Her family moved to New Orleans when she was four years old. At the age of six, Ruby was one of six African American students selected to integrate New Orleans' public schools.On November 14, 1960, Ruby became the first African American child to attend the all-white William Frantz Elementary School. She was escorted by federal marshals due to threats and protests from those opposed to desegregation. Ruby faced intense hostility and discrimination. Many white parents pulled their children out of the school, and she was taught by a single teacher, Barbara Henry, who came from Boston specifically to teach her. Despite these challenges, Ruby attended school every day, showing remarkable courage and resilience.

Ruby's bravery and the media attention her story received helped highlight the injustices of segregation and the importance of equal education opportunities. Her actions became a symbol of the civil rights movement and inspired many to advocate for change.

Ruby Bridges continued to be an advocate for civil rights throughout her life. In 1999, she established the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which promotes tolerance, respect, and understanding. She has also authored several books, including "Through My Eyes" and "Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story," sharing her experiences and message of hope.