U.S. Marshals Escort the Casket of the Late Civil Rights Pioneer Tessie Prevost-Williams

New Orleans, LA - United States Marshals will escort the casket of the late Tessie Prevost-Williams on July 26, 2024, when it lies in state at Gallier Hall and leaves for its final resting place on July 27, 2024, from the Branch Bell Baptist Church. United States Marshal Enix Smith III of the Eastern District of Louisiana will be one of the escorting Marshals with USMS Director Ronald Davis providing remarks at the funeral.

Tessie Prevost along with Gail Etienne, Leona Tate, and Ruby Bridges made history desegregating schools in New Orleans and the Deep South on November 14, 1960. Ms. Prevost was among the first African American students to integrate McDonogh No. 19 Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. Facing intense hostility, her courage helped pave the way for greater educational equality throughout the United States.

On November 16, 1960, a race riot broke out in front of a meeting of the Orleans School Board regarding the integration of the schools. Following the riot, U.S. Marshals began accompanying the four girls to their respective schools, while death threats against them continued.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to pay our respects to such an important contributor of the 1960’s civil rights movement. Ms. Prevost’s courage changed our nation, and we will always be thankful for it,” said U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The Prevost family has arranged a host of events and ceremonies to honor the civil rights icon. Members of the public will be able to pay their respects to Tessie Prevost-Williams at Gallier Hall from 12-3 p.m. following a ceremonial procession in her honor. Friends, family and the public are invited to attend her funeral services on July 27th at the Branch Bell Baptist Church starting at 10 a.m. and participate after the services in a special New Orleans Jazz Funeral March and Second Line starting at the TEP Center 5909 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA.