08/22/2026
⚜️This Is American History.⚜️
"New Orleans civil rights icon Jerome “Big Duck” Smith has died, family members said.
Mr Smith died after a lengthy illness, according to family members. He was 87 years old.
Smith was a Freedom Rider during the civil rights movement & served as a member of the Congress of Racial Equality.
In the 1960s, Smith participated in the lunch counter sit-ins and fought for desegregation.
In later years, Smith founded the Tambourine and Fan organization to provide the youth in Treme with recreational opportunities.
Mayor Helena Moreno released a statement honoring Mr Smith, calling him a teacher, mentor, fighter and healer who advocated and fought for the people of New Orleans and the children of the city.
The statement goes on to say, “He lifted people up while never being afraid to stand up for what he believed was right.” 💔
