Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy have introduced a bill to designate the Post Office located at 3901 MacArthur Blvd. in New Orleans, Louisiana as the "Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office." The bill aims to honor the legacy of Dr. Rudy Lombard, a prominent civil rights advocate in Louisiana.

According to Dr. Cassidy, "Dr. Lombard will forever be remembered for his courage and advocacy for civil rights in Louisiana. He fought to guarantee freedom for all Americans, and it is an honor to pay tribute to him through this designation." Senator Kennedy also expressed his support, stating, "Dr. Rudy Lombard's fight for equality will live on forever in the hearts and minds of Louisianians. By passing this legislation in Congress, a great American activist will receive special recognition in New Orleans for the change his courage brought about."

Dr. Rudy Lombard, born in Algiers in 1939 and an alumni of Xavier University, played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. He led the "CORE Four" in a sit-in at McCrory's Five & Dime on Canal Street, which ultimately led to the landmark 1963 Supreme Court case, Lombard V. Louisiana. This case was a significant moment in the fight against segregation and resulted in breaking down discriminatory practices.

Companion legislation for this bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Troy Carter with support from the entire Louisiana House Congressional delegation. It successfully passed the U.S. House of Representatives on October 3, 2023. The bill text can be found here.

The designation of the Post Office in honor of Dr. Rudy Lombard serves as a testament to his contributions and the impact he made in advancing civil rights in Louisiana and across the nation.