NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — New Orleans Civil Rights icon Jerome “Big Duck” Smith died after his battle with a lengthy illness, his family members confirmed Friday.
The 87-year-old was notable for being on the front lines of the Civil Right Movement, serving as a member of the Congress of Racial Equality and freedom rider.
Smith participated in lunch counter demonstrations in the 1960s, where he was arrested several times and beaten by police for his activism.
His fellow freedom riders described him as courageous as he navigated those challenging, tumultuous times…