Treme’s Jerome Smith was well-liked in his youth among those who knew him. He was a civil rights activist and leader. He was a Freedom Rider. He was a New Orleans community advocate. He fought to make life better for children.
And he was a dad.
As he grew and matured, he became enamored with children. At one point, his wife called him Big Duck because wherever he went, there were children following him, usually in groups, much like a brood or paddling of ducks staying close to Mother Duck because she’s the first one they see after hatching, as their little minds imprint that sighting as a safe object.
Children across the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans and beyond called Smith Big Duck because so many others did. His longer-time friends and colleagues called him Smith, Smitty, Roman Candle. Smith died Aug. 21 at 87…