Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, the Louisiana Office of Tourism and New Orleans area officials will unveil the next marker on the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at McDonogh 19 Elementary School, now known as the Tate, Etienne, Prevost Center, 5909 St. Claude Ave.
The marker commemorates when Tate, Prevost, and Etienne, as three six year old girls, integrated McDonogh 19. Known as the “McDonogh Three,” U.S. Marshals escorted the girls every day, and were the only students to attend the school for months.
The Louisiana Civil Rights Trail highlights Louisiana’s role in the modern civil rights movement. The markers tell the significant role Louisiana played in shaping American history during the 1950s and 60s and draws attention to the courage and commitment of the trailblazers of the movement. The public is invited to attend.
On Wednesday, Feb. 2., will travel to the Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum in Pineville to unveil a marker in honor the 761st Tank Battalion an experimental unit that formed at Camp Claiborne on April 1, 1942. The 761st Tank Battalion was attached to many commands in Europe. Eight infantry divisions utilized this armor unit for direct support. As part of General Patton’s Third Army, the fighting ability of the 761st became legendary and it acquired the nickname “Patton’s Panthers.” By showing their prowess, this and other units proved the Army did not need segregated units, leading Pres. Harry S. Truman to desegregate United States armed forces in July 1948. The unveiling ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
The public is invited to these events.