Legacy & Leadership

Dr. Leona Tate

Dr. Leona Tate is a civil rights icon who, at age six, helped break the color barrier in the Deep South. On November 14, 1960, she and two other girls—known as the McDonogh Three—integrated McDonogh 19 Elementary in New Orleans. Walking past angry mobs under federal protection, she became one of the first Black students to attend a formerly all-white school in Louisiana, a landmark moment in the fight for educational equality.  Her status as a pioneer stems from this childhood bravery and her lifelong commitment to social justice. Beyond founding the Leona Tate Foundation for Change, she continues to inspire new generations by sharing her story of perseverance.

Most recently, Jenkins Elementary was honored to host Dr. Tate as the guest speaker for our Legacy & Leadership breakfast, honoring students who embody the qualities of a great leader, where she connected her historic journey to the leadership potential of our own students.