National Urban League Mourns the Passing of a Matriarch of the Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans

NEW YORK (February 23, 2026) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the death of civil rights heroine Dorothy Prevost:

"It is hard to imagine the courage and conviction it took to send her daughter, Tessie — a tiny first-grader — into the hostility that surrounded the desegregation of New Orleans public schools.  Her work — in advocacy, community organizing, and the relentless pursuit of equality — helped build the foundation on which so many of today’s freedoms stand.

"Dorothy not only believed in the power of ordinary people to effect extraordinary change — she lived it. She showed us progress is not only landmark legislation or historic marches. but  daily acts of resistance, dignity, and hope.

"As we honor her memory, we are called to continue the work she began.  Dorothy Prevost leaves behind a legacy of courage and a blueprint for action that will continue to inspire us for decades to come.

"We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the many individuals whose lives she touched. May her spirit continue to guide us toward a more just and equitable society."