Bill
Bill > AJR94
summary
Introduced
01/29/2024
01/29/2024
In Committee
01/29/2024
01/29/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates November 14 of each year as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in the State of New Jersey. Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954 and was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana by parents Lucille and Abon Bridges. In the same year, the United States Supreme Court issued the landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, ending racial segregation in public schools. However, states across the South, including Louisiana, failed to integrate their public schools. This led to a federal court order for Louisiana to desegregate their public schools beginning on November 14, 1960. On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges and her mother were escorted by federal marshals to the William Frantz Elementary School where Ruby faced violent protesters. The violence of the protestors, blatant racism from parents, and forced isolation plagued Ruby Bridges' first year of attendance at William Frantz Elementary. Despite these hardships, Ruby Bridges never missed a day of school and by the end of her first year, the school decided to admit more African American children the following year. Ruby Bridges' act of bravery inspired America and led to a commemorative piece by famous artist Norman Rockwell titled "The Problem We Must All Live With." Ruby Bridges became a lifelong activist for racial equality by establishing The Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999, which uses educational initiatives to promote tolerance and unity among schoolchildren. Ruby Bridges has also gained numerous accolades for her life's work, including the Carter G. Woodson Book Award and the honorary title of deputy federal marshal. By setting aside November 14 of each year as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, we can celebrate the courage of young Ruby Bridges and the impact her actions had on African American children across America, as well as commit to a better public education system for minority children in New Jersey.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates November 14 of each year as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in New Jersey, honoring the historic moment in 1960 when six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. The resolution highlights Bridges' remarkable courage in facing violent protesters and racist treatment during her first year at William Frantz Elementary School, where she was isolated and attended classes alone after white parents withdrew their children. Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ended legal racial segregation in public schools, Bridges' brave actions helped pave the way for school integration across the United States. The resolution calls on the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, recognizing Bridges' significant contribution to civil rights and her ongoing work through The Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and unity among schoolchildren. By establishing this commemorative day, New Jersey aims to celebrate Bridges' extraordinary bravery and continue the conversation about racial equality in education.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/29/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR94 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AJR/94_I1.HTM |
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