Honoring Ruby Bridges, One Step at a Time

AAA - The Auto Club Group is partnering with Humphries Elementary School, Safe Kids Worldwide, City of Atlanta, Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT), Atlanta Public Schools (APS), and The Center for Civil and Human Rights to celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a national event that honors the legacy of civil rights pioneer Ruby Bridges while promoting student leadership and safe routes to school.

Each November, students across the country retrace Ruby Bridges’ historic 1960 walk to school, honoring the courage that helped advance educational equality and the Civil Rights Movement. The event also serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe journey to and from school. This year, students from Humphries Elementary School will join community leaders at The Center for Civil and Human Rights for a walk highlighting the importance of pedestrian safety and walkable communities, followed by a discussion on how individual actions can create positive change. The event will include a Ruby Bridges Walk and a press event with community leaders (see details below).

"Ruby Bridges showed the world that courage can change history," said Garrett Townsend, Director of Public Affairs for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "It's especially meaningful that Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day was inspired by a question from an AAA School Safety Patrol student. Every day, Safety Patrollers demonstrate leadership and service by helping classmates travel safely to and from school. This event celebrates those same values while encouraging students to recognize the impact they can have in their communities."

The idea for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day began with a simple question from an AAA School Safety Patrol student: "Why isn't there a day for Ruby?" Since 2018, that question has grown into a nationwide movement that encourages students to reflect on courage, justice, and service.

For more than 100 years, AAA School Safety Patrol has helped students stay safe on their journey to and from school, empowering young leaders to assist their peers, promote pedestrian safety, and serve as role models in their communities.

Why This Matters

• Honors the legacy of Ruby Bridges and her impact on educational equality.

• Promotes safe routes to school and pedestrian safety for children.

• Highlights the leadership and service of AAA School Safety Patrol members.

• Encourages students to become active, engaged leaders in their communities.

Through partnerships like this, AAA continues its commitment to traffic safety education, pedestrian safety, and programs that help create safer communities for everyone.

Event Details

Date: November 13, 2026
Location: The Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Schedule:

• Ruby Bridges Walk | 9:00 a.m.
• Press Event with Community Leaders | 10:30 a.m.