Action Words: Journey of a Journalist

Description: Young Black writer, Ora M. Lewis, makes an effort to convince the Editor of a small local newspaper to publish her critiques of the segregationist New Orleans mayor in 1935. Although she is discouraged, her heroics earn the attention of the city and the Louisiana governor. Ora begins to write influential articles that inspire the people to endure segregation. Ora works closely with the governor who soon falls victim to assassination. The people are devastated and the city of New Orleans is nearly destroyed by the mayor who celebrates the untimely death of the governor. Ora somehow finds a way to lead the people and take a stand against segregation.

Keywords: journalism,history,desegregation,segregation,new orleans,louisiana