MAYOR CANTRELL JOINS OFFICIALS FOR RENAMING OF NORMAN C. FRANCIS PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today joined other elected officials, educators, community leaders and family members to mark the renaming of Jefferson Davis Parkway to Norman C. Francis Parkway.
[WATCH: Norman C. Francis Parkway ribbon cutting]
“I want to say ‘Thank you’ on behalf of the City of New Orleans for the countless lives that Dr. Norman C. Francis has touched. Now it seems that historically black colleges and universities are taking their place on the national stage and the global stage, and that has been a mighty long time coming,” said Mayor Cantrell.
Mayor Cantrell presented Dr. Francis with a Key to the City as well as a Mayor's City of Yes Award, and also honored his late wife, Blanche, for her support. Dr. Francis dedicated his life and career to education, serving as President of Xavier University for nearly 50 years. During Dr. Francis’ tenure, Xavier more than doubled its enrollment, broadened its curriculum, expanded its campus, and strengthened its financial base. Through Dr. Francis’ leadership, the university instituted a core curriculum, becoming nationally recognized as a leader in education.
Mayor Cantrell was joined by Helena Moreno, City Council President; Dr. Reynold Verret, President, Xavier University of Louisiana; Justin Augustine, Chairman of the Board, Xavier University of Louisiana; and Mark Raymond, Vice-Chair, City Council Street Renaming Commission. It was Mr. Raymond, who also serves on the Board of Commissioners for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, who started the online petition that generated public discussion about the renaming effort. Councilmember Moreno helped shepherd the ordinance through legislation.
“Removing a Confederate moniker and instead proudly lifting up the name of a renowned African-American civil rights icon and educator caught the attention of individuals across this city, state, and nation. With this renaming, we demonstrated what New Orleans and its people honor and revere, the type of character and leader that we want to recognize. A person who has worked all of his life to bring people together, to uplift and to educate, to unite not divide, to include not exclude, to show compassion not hate, to elevate all to succeed – not just some. Dr. Francis: It is with great gratitude to you and your life’s work that we the Council passed the ordinance authorizing this street name change in your honor. We thank you for the unwavering commitment you have shown to our city and the endless impact you have made on countless lives,” said Councilmember Moreno.
Also in attendance were Jay H. Banks, City Councilmember, District B; Kristin Gisleson Palmer, City Councilmember, District C; and Jared C. Brossett, City Councilmember, District D.
# # #
|
