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Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons was an early member of the New Orleans chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), a participant in the Freedom Rides of 1961 and a civil rights pioneer. Smith-Simmons was originally inspired to join the struggle for African American civil rights by her sister Dorothy, a member of the city’s NAACP Youth Council and one of the students who desegregated Louisiana State University in New Orleans (now called UNO).
In 1960, Smith-Simmons became an early and active member of the New Orleans chapter of CORE and was jailed several times, participating in sit-ins, picketing, and other nonviolent direct action. During the Freedom Rides of 1961, she was a trainer for Freedom Riders leaving New Orleans for Jackson, Mississippi. After the Interstate Commerce Commission ruled in September 1961 to abolish segregation in interstate travel, Smith-Simmons became a tester and traveled to McComb, Mississippi. She and fellow testers were beaten in Poplarville, Mississippi, and three of the testers were arrested and jailed.
In addition to her pivotal work in the civil rights movement, Smith-Simmons has also contributed to the cultural fabric of New Orleans as a founding member of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. We are honored to have this civil rights icon speak at the JCC.
Join us for a catered lunch followed by a fascinating lecture and discussion.
An RSVP is required by January 6.
No charge members / $10 non-members
New Orleans JCC - Uptown
Stressed? If you're feeling it, chances are your child is feeling it too. You know the signs; when your mind starts racing and your heartbeat starts racing, your tendency is to get louder and faster. But what you and your body and your child need is for things to slow down and start making sense.
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Members can now access Online Member Services on mobile devices by downloading the New Orleans JCC app in the App Store or Google Play.
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