Mallika Vashist

Oct 15, 2024 | vianolavie.org | Nina Berry |Isabella Leonard |Mallika Vashist

By Nina Berry, Isabella Leonard, and Mallika Vashist“Were you afraid?” I asked Dr. Leona Tate. It’s a chilly November morning in November 1960 in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. A young girl—just 6 years old—makes her way up the steps to attend her first day at McDonogh No. 19 Elementary School. Surrounding her are more than one hundred policemen. Alert, they attempt to maintain order as a massive crowd—over a thousand strong—watch her ascent while jeering in protest.