����vlog

A New Orleans civil rights icon has died. According to a statement issued by Congressman Troy Carter, Tessie Prevost Williams, most famously known as one of "The New Orleans Four," who helped integrate New Orleans schools, died over the weekend at the age of 69. Prevost, along with Leona Tate and Gail Etienne, walked into McDonogh School on Nov. 14, 1960, to groups of white people spitting, cursing and throwing rocks at them. In 1960, the Orleans Parish School Board was under a court order to end school desegregation. According to Prevost's biography, to do so, 137 Black kindergarten children were tested to find out who would be sent to two white schools. Prevost was one of those who took the test. She would attend the school with Tate and Etienne, making history. Prevost would go on to make education her life purpose. She worked as an administrative assistant in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the LSU School of Dentistry for more than 20 years while also publicly speaking about her experiences with desegregation.Her classmate, Leona Tate, would later purchase the McDonogh school and turn it into the TEP Center, named after Tate, Etienne and Prevost. The building is home to an educational facility to promote civil rights and help dismantle systemic racism.No information on funeral services has been provided at this time. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued the following statement regarding her passing: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tessie Prevost, a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights,” said Mayor Cantrell.“As one of the ‘McDonogh Three,’ Ms. Prevost was among the first African American students to integrate McDonogh 19 Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960, at just six years old. Facing intense hostility and unimaginable challenges, her courage paved the way for greater educational equality throughout the United States. Her bravery and determination helped dismantle the barriers of segregation, inspiring countless others in the struggle for justice and equality. Her legacy is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact a single individual can have on the course of history. Tessie Prevost will be remembered not only for her role in the Civil Rights Movement but also for her enduring spirit and commitment to a more inclusive society.Her passing is a profound loss, but her contributions will continue to resonate for generations to come. May she rest in God’s perfect peace.”