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4 Women Who Desegregated NOLA Public Schools Celebrated Sunday, on 61st Anniversary


Nov. 14 marks 61 years since four young black girls desegregated the first schools here in New Orleans. This weekend, several events celebrated the now women; Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, Gail Etienne and Ruby Bridges- who helped pave the way in our fight for equality.


Last year on Nov. 14, New Orleans City Council proclaimed the day New Orleans Four Day.

This year, the New Orleans Four Legacy Project honored the women with a screening of the New Orleans Four tribute celebration. On Sunday, the three women who desegregated McDonogh 19 Elementary were escorted back to the school.


Historians said this is an important part of history that has been left out too often.

"Hopefully it will become a holiday, New Orleans Four. Because very rarely are black girls and black women in the Civil Rights Movement celebrated on the same level as the men. I just wanted to make sure we raised more awareness about what black women and black girls have done," said Diedra Meredith, the creator and director of New Orleans Four Legacy Project.


The newly renovated McDonogh 19 will soon be the home of New Orleans' first Civil Rights Interpretive Center. It is expected to open in the Spring of 2022.

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