Members of Natchez civil rights committee visit Bogalusa for unveiling of civil rights marker

Natchez Civil Rights Trail Committee members Roscoe Barnes III, left, and Robert Pernell, far right, recently visited Bogalusa, La., for the unveiling of a civil rights trail marker by Louisiana Lieutenant Gov. Billy Nungesser.

BOGALUSA, La. -- Natchez Civil Rights Trail Committee members Roscoe Barnes III and Robert Pernell recently visited Bogalusa, La., for the unveiling of a civil rights trail marker at the Robert “Bob” Hicks house. The event was held by Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of tourism.

Bogalusa, a city in Washington Parish, played an important role in the fight for freedom and justice, according to Barnes. Hick’s house served as a command center for the Deacons and other groups in the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

While visiting the small Louisiana community, Barnes and Pernell met with the city’s mayor and former civil rights activists, including one of the oldest living Deacons, who was 97. They also spoke with the lieutenant governor about Natchez’s listing on the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

“When we mentioned our plans for an unveiling before the year is out, the lieutenant governor handed us his business card and said, ‘Be sure to invite me,’” Barnes reported.

“It was important for us to meet the local citizens, the civil rights workers, and the elected officials of Louisiana,” said Pernell. “Their ceremony was amazing and well-attended. We wanted to see how they managed this special event. At the same time, we wanted to invite them to join us for the dedication of our Freedom Trail marker later this year.”