NEW ORLEANS – Reynold Verret, current President of Xavier University of Louisiana, yesterday resubmitted the official request to rename South Jefferson Davis Parkway in honor of President Emeritus Norman C. Francis.

Originally submitted in January 2018 with the support of the entire Xavier community and Board of Trustees, the university leadership was compelled to resubmit this request in honor of Dr. Francis’ work in the field of higher education and the role it plays in creating a just and humane society.

As noted by five New Orleans Mayors – LaToya Cantrell, Mitch Landrieu, Marc Morial, Sidney Barthelemy and Moon Landrieu – published a powerful op-ed supporting the initiative by Councilmembers Helena Moreno and Jason Williams to rename the current Jefferson Davis Parkway for Dr. Norman C. Francis.

There statement of support read in part:

“In light of the racial moment that we find ourselves in today and the fact that we are moved once again to set history straight, we believe that it is fitting to rename Jefferson Davis Parkway to Norman C. Francis Parkway.

This particular roadway runs through Norman Francis’ legacy to New Orleans and America, Xavier University, which has graduated more African American students earning undergraduate degrees in the biology and the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and pharmacy than any other college or university.