Crossroads Steps Into a New Tradition

On Monday, Nov. 9, the Elementary School community came together for its inaugural Ruby Bridges Walk. The event honors the young Black student whose courageous walk into an all-white New Orleans school helped integrate the city's public school system 66 years ago.

The Ruby Bridges Walk is a nationwide event that brings children together to reflect on the historic impact of school integration and its lasting influence on their lives today. The event encourages students across the country to wear purple as a symbol of solidarity and unity. In 2025, more than 800,000 students participated.

New Crossroads parents Marissa Matteo and Justin Hillian introduced the event to the Elementary School with the support of the school’s Black Family Alliance (BFA). 

“When our daughter Ruby first found out that we were switching schools, her first question was ‘Are we going to be able to do the Ruby Bridges walk?’” Justin shared. “And we were so thrilled that everyone at Crossroads was so warm, welcoming and accommodating. The fact that we've only been here for 10 weeks and everyone was able to row in the same direction to make this happen so seamlessly is not only impressive—it's even more proof that we are in the right place. Our family couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of this community.”

The event kicked off at the weekly Monday Morning Meeting, where students, parents and faculty gathered to learn more about Ruby's story through a short video. Looking back on her experience as an adult, Ruby described her transition from an all-Black school to an all-white school, the hatred she encountered on the way and the caring teacher who spent an entire year with Ruby as her only student. Her reflections on the lasting impact of the Civil Rights Movement resonated with the Elementary School audience, who sat quietly on the floor of the Joanie Martin Community Room as they watched the video.

“The story of Ruby Bridges is so impactful for children because she was only 6 years old when she first made that brave walk into an all-white school,” shared Marissa. “Children understand being 6 years old. They understand going to school. They can place themselves in the story, access how Ruby must have felt and grasp the ugliness of racism. Having all the children lock arms together in community and love, rather than hatred and fear, is the whole point of the walk.”

Following the presentation, the community took that message onto the field. Participants of all ages walked the perimeter of the Cornelius A. Martin Field twice to honor Ruby's historic moment. Dressed in purple, waving flags and sounding kazoos, the group made its way through balloon arches, celebrating unity with every step taken together.

For Marissa and Justin’s third grader, Ruby Hillian, participating in this experience made her feel even more at home on Norton Campus. “I liked walking around the field and making noise with my friends. It reminded me to be grateful that I didn't have to wait almost a whole year to have friends at my new school like Ruby Bridges did.”

The day was equally meaningful for the network of family volunteers who brought it to life. “It is a credit to the BFA, school leadership and the Crossroads community how fiercely they embraced this day,” said Marissa. “I will never forget the sound of 300 children blowing their noisemakers and the sight of them walking around the field waving their purple flags. As Ruby Bridges said, ‘I have seen hope in the eyes of our children.’”