Tureaud,+Alexander+P.+Jr.

Biographical Information:
Dates: 1936 - Dates in Ridgefield: current resident

history freelance consultant on Louisiana civil rights history, educational consultant, educator, artist, public speaker

In Alexander Tureaud, Jr.'s own words:

As a native of New Orleans I was involved in the constant social and legal struggle for civil rights for people of color in America. My multi-racial family background of African slaves and French colonial settlers in Louisiana, which produced the vibrant and interesting Creole culture, played a major role in my upbringing. Both parents were Creoles and the historical significance of the legal battles initiated by Creoles of color in Louisiana, are a vital component of my family history.

My father, A.P. Tureaud Sr., the subject of my book, was a formidable civil rights lawyer, who for more than forty years, spear-headed the legal battles that desegregated public schools, colleges and universities, public accommodations, public transportation, and trade schools. He was a man of simple tastes who treasured his heritage, family, religion and justice. As his only son, I sued Louisiana State University, LSU in 1953 and was the first person of color to attend a formerly all white southern state university in the South. This year 2013 marks 60 years since I attended LSU, which was a challenging and devastating experience for a seventeen year old African-American in Louisiana in the segregated and racially volatile south of the 1950’s.

A More Noble Cause is more than a story of the struggles for equality. It is an adventure that captures the rich and celebrated culture of Louisiana and the uniqueness of New Orleans. It is a family journey of determined citizens, Creole, African-Americans and whites, who helped to end segregation. The book was published by the LSU Press and took twelve years to complete. Although my father sued LSU more than ten times to have African-American students attend, he is now celebrated as a valuable contributor to the history of the university. A classroom building has been renamed for him and an alumni chapter also bears his name. I was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2011 and have been invited to speak at the university many times.

If you google “A.P. Tureaud” you will find many entries about my father and me.

Titles:
//A More Noble Cause: A. P. Tureaud and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Louisiana, A Personal Biography,// 2011

--Source: amorenoblecause.com and Alexander Tureaud, Jr., personal communication