GUEST COLUMN: To Overcome Discouragement, Look to Black History Heroes Like Norman Francis

GUEST COLUMN: To overcome discouragement, look to Black history heroes like Norman Francis

As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month, we must remember this is a time to reflect and rededicate ourselves to a tradition of persistence and resistance, particularly in the face of the current attempts to erase…

Honoring the trailblazer Norman C. Francis

“We’ve got to have people who believe that education belongs to everybody. The future is education for our kids, starting early. Let them know about Blacks who made history and did it from their own belief in themselves, and belief…

Norman C. Francis: Loyola Law alum and civil rights trailblazer

As the first black man to graduate from Loyola’s College of Law, the late Norman C. Francis played a prominent role in the academic community for New Orleans. His relationship with Loyola University and trailblazing efforts for civil rights have made a lasting impact on and off campus.  Francis passed away on Feb. 24 at 94 years old. He was the former President of Xavier University, an attorney fighting for civil rights, had at least eight honor…

The Life and Legacy of Norman C. Francis: A Titan of Civil Rights and Education

Norman C. Francis, civil rights champion, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the first Black president of Xavier University of Louisiana, passed away last Wednesday, February 18th, in Jefferson, La.  His death, in a hospital, was announced by his family. Mr. Francis was 94. Community members, activists and leaders throughout Louisiana are uniting to celebrate his life and the impact he made. He was an extraordinary person whose c…