Artistic expression inspired by civil rights story

By Jace Patin
Brother Martin High School

On Dec. 14, Brother Martin students in Art I had the opportunity to hear from New Orleanian Leona Tate, one of the first African-American girls who in 1960 desegregated McDonogh 19 Elementary School in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. She told students and faculty about her experience and her fight since then for civil rights.

Tate’s visit was in collaboration with a class assignment, “The Portraits of Social Justice,” led by our teacher Don Guidry, photographer Gus Bennett and other faculty. As a class, we were instructed to select a social activist who inspired us.

The project consisted of drawing a portrait of that person and conducting research on his or her fight for change. It also was based on the art style of Chuck Close, in which students learn about an artist and the seven themes of social justice. 

Along with the art portion of the project, a discussion regarding the needs of social justice in the community and the world included civil rights, the rights of the elderly and the protection of creation.

I chose Ruby Bridges because I had learned that she was the first black child to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. 

After some discussion about my project with Mr. Bennett, another faculty member assisted me in contacting Tate, who like Bridges was instrumental in desegregating New Orleans public schools. Tate was kind enough to share her vivid experiences and answer our questions.

Tate, Bridges and many other people of color are instrumental in my life today. Without them, my education at Brother Martin wouldn’t be possible. Her past, present and future endeavors in the education sector left a deep impression on me. 

I truly appreciate and thank her for the courage she displayed as a child. Her work, along with that of many others, created the opportunities that all black scholars benefit from today.  

Jace Patin is a junior at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans.