Making History in Kansas
November 14th, 2023 was the First Annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in Kansas, as proclaimed by Governor Kelly and posted about by Ruby Bridges.
We had seven counties across Kansas participate and hope for all 105 to participate this year! Even then, we were looking ahead to 2024, the 70th anniversary year of Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education, with what then seemed like a pipe dream to have Ruby Bridges, herself, come to Kansas in 2024.
The children of Kansas invited her with this incredible video.
Then, with the unanimous passage of Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau’s SCR 1703 in June, the Kansas Legislature extended their invitation to Ms. Bridges as well.
Ruby Bridges said YES to Kansas and will be part of our 2nd Annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on November 14, 2024, appearing in person in Topeka, KS, to speak to 1,000+ Kansas students. Additionally, there will be 10 live stream broadcasts to schools across the state, coordinated by KSDE.
(Please note: “The use of any recording devices during the event, including, but limited to, cell phones, video cameras, or digital recorders, is not permitted during Ms. Bridges speaking engagement.”)
How to participate across the state:
Districts, schools, clubs, church/community groups can sign up to participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, as they see fit, even if they are not part of the Topeka event. There are no “rules,” but plenty of suggestions for a “Day of Dialogue,” if they need help getting started.
Stay tuned for details on the Topeka event and how to apply to KSDE to be one of the ten live stream locations!
Email: MP@Poskin4KS.com with questions.
“Committed educators work hard each day to address the emotional stressors and phonological challenges that struggling readers face. Literacy is the key to school success and the gatekeeper for future opportunities. For Kansas kids who are at the lowest levels of the achievement gap - most of whom are Black and Brown children - early reading competency can spell the difference between being in college or being incarcerated. The Ruby Bridges Literacy Program brings culturally relevant selections to readers of all ages, allowing them to engage in the life and works of a brave, relatable, resilient young woman who gives as she has received. I am proud to support Ms. Bridges’ visit with Kansas students and I am grateful for her investment in the future successes of all our young scholars.”