Congressman Carter Praises House Passage of Bill to Honor Dr. Rudy Lombard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) praised the House passage of H.R. 996, his bill to designate the Post Office located at 3901 MacArthur Blvd. in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the heart of Algiers where the Lombard and Carter families grew up, as the "Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office." This legislation was supported by the Louisiana House Congressional delegation in a bipartisan effort. 

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, Rep. Carter’s alma mater, 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.

“Today, we are not just bestowing an honor on a distinguished individual. We are cementing a legacy, recognizing a man whose life exemplified leadership by example,” said Rep. Carter.  “Dr. Lombard was not only a standard-bearer; he was a force for positive change, a catalyst for movements that brought people together. I pray this serves as a reminder to future generations that the struggle for justice is real, and the impact of one person's commitment can resonate across the ages.”

Read the fill bill text here.

Watch Rep. Carter’s Floor Speech here.

###