St. George’s was honored to welcome civil rights hero Leona Tate to campus for a special visit with our 4th graders on Wednesday, March 11. 

Dr. Tate is one of the New Orleans Four—along with Ruby Bridges, Gail Etienne and Tessie Prevost—the four Black girls who desegregated New Orleans’ public schools in 1960. She was just six years old when she entered McDonogh 19 Elementary School, escorted by federal marshals.

Her visit came at a meaningful moment in the 4th grade curriculum. Students finished reading Jacqueline Woodson’s “Brown Girl Dreaming” and also explored the story of the New Orleans Four through “Small Shoes, Great Strides” in a unit combining history with literature. After watching additional videos and learning about the Civil Rights Movement, students collectively prepared thoughtful questions in advance for the Q&A with Dr. Tate.

It was a powerful opportunity for students to connect their studies with someone who lived the history they have been learning about, and to hear firsthand how courage and perseverance can shape a city and its future for the better. Tate later turned her advocacy efforts toward campaigning for the preservation of the McDonogh 19 building. Her work in this area led to the creation of the Tate Etienne Prevost (TEP) Interpretive Center, turning the former school into part-museum, part community nonprofit. When they enter 5th grade, StG students will visit the center, building on this 4th grade experience.