Mar 14, 2026
Honoring a Civil Rights Legend:
Honoring a Civil Rights Legend:
Mrs. Dorothy Prevost was the mother of the late Tessie Prevost (1954–2024), one of the "New Orleans Four," the brave first-graders who, on November 14, 1960, entered formerly all-white schools under federal protection amidst violent opposition.
A memorial service for Mrs. Dorothy Prevost, mother of Tessie Prevost, will be held from 9:00 to 11:30 AM on Saturday, March 17th, at New Hope Baptist Church, located at 1807 Reverend John Raphael Jr. Way. (Visitation will be from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.) Following the service, the Pinettes will lead the funeral procession for three blocks, concluding at MLK Blvd. On behalf of the family, participation of all available Baby Dolls in full dress is requested for the procession. Tonya Boyd Cannon is directing the music and has organized an all-women's mass choir for the service, which will honor the contributions of women.
Participation:
An invitation is extended to local baby doll groups and various cultural representatives to participate in honoring Dorothy Prevost during Women's History Month. The New Orleans Voodoo Baby Dolls will accompany the second line procession from New Hope Baptist Church to MLK Boulevard Saturday, March 14th, at 11:30 after the funeral services.
Background:
The New Orleans Four refers to Tessie Prevost, Gail Etienne, Leona Tate, and Ruby Bridges, the four 6-year-old girls who desegregated two New Orleans public elementary schools on November 14, 1960, under federal court order. Their enrollment marked a pivotal moment in the enforcement of Brown v. Board of Education in the Deep South and became a defining chapter in the modern Civil Rights Movement. For more details and
information go to: www.neworleanslegacyproject.org/dorothyprevost
