Panelists at a forum honoring African American civil rights activist A.P. Tureaud Sr. said his courage improved life for Louisianians after a time of suffering and oppression for African Americans.
The panel, held in a nearly-packed Cox Auditorium, featured Tureaud Sr.’s son, A.P. Tureaud Jr., the first black undergraduate to attend the University; Rachel Emanuel, director of publications and electronic media at Southern University Law Center; D’Army Bailey, founder of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn.; and Keith Finley, history professor at Southeastern Louisiana University.
The event also served as the launch of Tureaud Sr.’s biography, written by Tureaud Jr. and Emanuel, titled “A More Noble Cause: A.P. Tureaud and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Louisiana.” Tureaud Jr. said the 12-year writing process began after LSU Press requested the biography.
Jack Hamilton, executive vice chancellor and provost, said Tureaud’s efforts contributed to a more diverse campus.
“LSU is deeply committed to [increasing diversity],” Hamilton said.
The panel, moderated by Bob Mann, political communication professor, discussed issues including the Civil Rights Movement and the relationship between Tureaud Sr. and Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Finley said Tureaud Sr. was one of many activists labeled “dangerous radicals” during the Civil Rights Movement by Southern politicians. All panelists agreed Tureaud Sr.’s calm demeanor and desire to improve life for all races allowed him to courageously facilitate change.
“One man’s friendship with humanity changed society,” Tureaud Jr. said.
Tureaud Sr. led the case for desegregation at the University, his son said. Though the case was successful, the University was not open to the end of segregation. Tureaud Jr. said he began his time at the University optimistically with hope for the typical college experience, but he soon faced harassment and was eventually asked to leave.
The auditorium was silent as Tureaud Jr. said he has seen improvement in diversity and equality in the University after returning numerous times despite his experiences, which he described as demeaning and depressing.
Bailey said he was one of many black youths who protested racism in Baton Rouge during his time at Southern University and was persecuted for doing so, attorneys like Tureaud Sr. protected these young activists during adversity.
Joy Douglas, African American sociology junior, said the panel taught her details about the oppression of blacks during the Civil Rights Movement, and she has a stronger appreciation for those like Tureaud Jr. who allowed her and others to have a better college experience.
Tureaud Sr.’s memory is preserved through Tureaud Hall and the A.P. Tureaud Sr. Black Alumni Chapter.
 
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Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]