July 2022 Newsletter Edition

BDE is grateful to the New Orleans City Council Street Renaming Committee (CCSRC) for the opportunity to assist with honoring these notable persons. CCSRC is tasked with with renaming streets and public places that have been named after historic supremists. BDE was chosen via a public bid to assist with creating aluminum street signs for the selected individuals.

Robert E. Lee Boulevard will be renamed after Allen Toussaint. Mr. Toussaint was a New Orleans native and a highly influential musician, producer, songwriter, and arranger.

Jefferson Davis Parkway is now Dr. Norman Francis Parkway. Dr. Francis served as president of Xavier University in New Orleans for 40 years. He was the school’s first black president and only the second black person to serve as president of a Catholic University in the United States.

Caffin Avenue has been renamed Fats Domino Avenue after its longtime resident and a pioneer of rock-and-roll music. Domino inspired many musicians that would go on to create music that transcends generations.

Slidell Street in Algiers will now be known as Red Allen Way after native Henry James Red Allen. Allen was a jazz artist and had traveled internationally spreading his music.

A portion of Louisa Street will be renamed Johnny Jackson Jr. Boulevard. Mr. Jackson was born, raised, and educated locally. Through various human services and political positions, as well as board appointments, Jackson increased resources, created legislation, and sought equal treatment for all New Orleans citizens. He was the third elected member of Louisiana House of Representatives and a founding member of the Legislative Black Caucus.

Traffic control ensures the safety of people and vehicles when traveling. The street signs will ensure that we remain safe while traveling and remember the contributions of these New Orleans legends for generations to come.