School Desegregation in New Orleans

SOURCE www.npr.org
Tessie Prevost, a pioneer of school desegregation in New Orleans, passes away at age 69. She was one of the first African-American girls to integrate the all-white public schools in the city, making history in 1960.

Key Points

  • Tessie Prevost was one of the first young Black girls to integrate New Orleans public schools in 1960.
  • She, along with Gail Etienne and Leona Tate, formed the McDonogh 3 and faced ostracism and segregation.
  • The historic school where they integrated is now the Tate Etienne and Prevost Center, preserving civil rights history.
  • Ruby Bridges also integrated an all-white school in New Orleans the same year.
  • New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell praised Prevost's courage and impact on educational equality.

Pros

  • Prevost's courage and determination helped pave the way for greater educational equality in the U.S.
  • Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of an individual on history.

Cons

  • Prevost and the other African-American girls faced hostility, ostracism, and segregation during their integration into McDonogh 19 Elementary School.