Black History Month: Lessons from My Family

It's Black History Month!

I recently went home to New Orleans to celebrate the life of my aunt, my mother's oldest sister, who passed in late December. Among those present to honor her was my cousin Gail who integrated New Orleans Public Schools in the 1960's. Most people know the story of Ruby Bridges. While Ruby was alone at William Frantz Elementary, she was not the only child involved in the movement to desegregate NOPS. The New Orleans Four also included 6 year olds Gail Etienne, Leona Tate, and Tessie Prevost, who braved the hostility of McDonogh 19 Elementary at the same time that Ruby integrated Franz. All 4 children and their parents bore a tremendous weight to create educational equity for students in our country. They were ordinary people like you and me, who used what they could to create a powerful ripple effect in the world. This story of sacrificial action in the name of community. I honor the courage and sacrifice of The New Orleans Four and their families today and always. This history is my legacy.

Photo cred: https://voicesofthecivilrightsmovement.com/articles/new-orleans4

Gail, her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Charbonnet and Gail's niece at my aunt Joyce's funeral; Elementary aged Gail being driven to school by US Marshalls.