The "New Orleans 4" should be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ruby Bridges, Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost were just in the first grade when they bravely marched up the steps of schools in New Orleans and desegregated the Deep South. They are American heroes who deserve this highest civilian honor. 

When the "New Orleans 4" desegregated schools in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans on November 14, 1960, they faced harassment, violence, and death threats from white parents, students, and rabid racists in the community. They persevered despite experiences of horrific violence, and the nation has benefitted tremendously from their sacrifice.  

Each of these women have since dedicated their lives to racial justice. Ruby launched a foundation to promote racial justice and healing, and Leona started a foundation to educate young people about the struggle for Civil Rights. Leona, Gail, and Tessie recently broke ground on the TEP Center, the first civil rights museum in New Orleans that tells the history of desegregation. 

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor for "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." Risking one's life to advance racial justice in the U.S. meets the standard for this highest honor, and we call upon President Biden to honor and celebrate these living heroes.  

Learn more about the "New Orleans 4":

https://www.neworleansfourlegacy.com/

https://council.nola.gov/news/november-2020/city-of-new-orleans-to-honor-the-new-orleans-four/

https://www.tepcenter.org/