Embracing Our Differences
Contact Shop Get Involved Guided Tours

Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative

This event is sold out.

On November 12, 2026, Sarasota will host a landmark community event, Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative.

We are bringing one of the most influential trailblazers of our time to our city for a powerful series of experiences designed to inspire courage, character, and civic engagement among our youth and throughout our community. We invite you to partner with us to make this extraordinary initiative possible.

Your support will help equip people of all ages with understanding, empathy, and the confidence to lead with compassion, strengthen our community, and shape a brighter future for generations to come.

Community Impact

This initiative will inspire current and future generations to lead with courage, foster welcoming communities, and strengthen the understanding, compassion, and connections that help communities thrive.

Net proceeds will be invested in expanding education, cultural awareness, and community dialogue throughout the region through two local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations: Embracing Our Differences, Inc. (EOD), and the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC).

Initiative Highlights

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Local students will walk together in honor of Ruby’s historic steps, followed by her in-person appearance and a guided discussion on courage, belonging, opening doors to opportunity, and preventing bullying.

Community Town Hall Conversation

A conversation with Ruby Bridges, moderated by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, another trailblazer in expanding access to education, reflecting on Ms. Bridges’ defining place in our nation’s story and the enduring power of civic engagement, community dialogue, and collective action.

Private VIP Reception

In appreciation of their leadership support, invited guests will enjoy a private reception featuring a personal greeting and commemorative photo opportunity with Ruby Bridges.

2026 Planning Committee

Visionary & Chair

Walter Gilbert

Co-Chairs

Renée James Gilmore
Victoria Kasdan

Members

Georgia Anderson
Aundria Castleberry
Dr. Willie Clemons
Washington Hill, M.D.
Roxanne Joffe
Mary Braxton Joseph
Tomeika Hunter Koski
Anand Pallegar
Cindy Stuhley
Sarah Wertheimer
Hon. Judge Charles E. Williams
Dr. Bill Woodson

Nonprofit Fiscal Agent

Embracing Our Differences, Inc.

Sponsorship Contacts

Aundria Castleberry – castle.2@comcast.net
Sarah Wertheimer – Sarah@EmbracingOurDifferences.org

Event Details

Community Town Hall Conversation
November 12, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Booker High School, VPA Auditorium
Registration opens at 4:15 PM; the program will start promptly at 5:00 PM
*Please allow extra time for parking.*

Sponsors

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation in partnership with Embracing Our Differences Presents Walk Forward: The Ruby Bridges Sarasota Initiative
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Logo
Frank & Katherine Martucci
Georgia & Terry Anderson
Tomeika Hunter-Koski Donna Tracy Pickup
Huisking
Family Fund Patti & David
Wertheimer 
Children First Education Foundation
Mary Braxton-Joseph
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Douglas Kuperman & Maureen Maguire
Greg & Kim Parris
Dr. Mike Weddle & Sandi Rowland
Bette Zaret
ASALH Cruise Planners

Anne Bauer In Memory of Kenneth Dym
Shobha Bora
Jody Beresford & Robert Mayer
Johnny & Aundria Castleberry
Katie & Chris Cianfaglione
Leslie Grabowski
Sue Jacobson
Dr. Ed James Leadership Center
Tina Lennon
Susan Newsome
Reflections of Manatee
Holly & Larry Shulman
Wendi Sours

Barbara Banks Magnify Good

© 2026 Embracing Our Differences, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Embracing Our Differences, Inc.
1209 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-404-5710

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Assistive listening devices are available for all guided tours.

The exhibition is accessible to people using wheelchairs, including the restrooms.

All works of art and quotations contained within this site are subject to U.S. and International copyrights held by the artist as well as a license granted to Embracing Our Differences, Inc. Please contact us or the artist for permission prior to any use. 

Embracing Our Differences, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax exempt public charity pursuant to an IRS Letter of Tax-Exempt Determination.

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCE, INC. MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE FLORIDA SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR 850-410-3800 FROM OUTSIDE OF THE STATE OR AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NO. CH19398.