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Congressman Carter Leads Louisiana Delegation to Honor Dr. Rudy Lombard

February 14, 2023

NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) led the Louisiana delegation in a bipartisan effort to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3901 MacArthur Blvd, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the “Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office.”

Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Lombard was born in the Algiers neighborhood in 1939 and is remembered as a New Orleans icon for his work as a Civil Rights Hero, educator, and lifelong community advocate. He grew up witnessing widespread discrimination against Black New Orleanians and his early life experience prompted him to become an activist. As a college student at Xavier University, Lombard famously led a sit-in at the McCroy’s Five & Dime store in protest of Jim Crow laws. Joining him in these protests were the “CORE Four,” Lanny Goldfincy, Cecil Carter, Jr., and Oretha Castle. Their case made its way to the Supreme Court in 1963 and, after review, their criminal mischief arrests were tossed out. This was one of several cases that became precedent for striking down segregation laws and practices.

“Decade after decade, Dr. Lombard took the lead in addressing inequities,” said Rep. Carter. “He saw a need and he addressed it, whether that was based on civil rights, economic and cultural empowerment, or public health. He was a man of action, a leader by example. Dr. Lombard was a standard-bearer and had an innate ability to create synergy around issues, build coalitions, and create movements. I am honored to lead this bipartisan initiative to cement his legacy.”

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