Notable People of Color - St. Francisville, Louisiana

About the Book

If my story is not told, the history of Notable People of Color will forever be excluded in the history of St. Francisville, La. My presentation may be offensive to some; however, I have chosen to present what has been left out of the many books written by local authors and historians to include the contributions, perspectives, and historical facts regarding Notable People of Color in St. Francisville. It is my intention to share this wealth of information for the sake of inclusion for future generations to follow. During my youth in St. Francisville, People of Color experienced racism at its highest. This book is an attempt to tell the story that although People of Color experienced racism and an educational system of separate and unequal; this did not deter us from moving forward. It was with our dedication to pursue higher education that we, People of Color, moved forward to create excellence both within and beyond the small town of St. Francisville. It is my hope that those who read “Notable People of Color - St. Francisville, La” will understand that my journey was typical of many of my classmates. We were resilient throughout our experiences, and we remained steadfast while enjoying wholesome and rewarding outcomes. Our family and spiritual training received will forever be with us. May Notable People of Color and their contributions forever be included in the history of St. Francisville, and West Feliciana Parish. —Dr. Henry Hardy Author of Notable People of Color - St. Francisville, Louisiana

About the Author

Dr. Henry L. Hardy received a B. S. Degree in Mathematics from Southern University A& M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a master’s degree in Mathematics from Central Connecticut State University, an advanced degree from the University of Hartford, Connecticut in Mathematics and Administration/ Supervision, and a Doctorate in Mathematics from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hardy taught mathematics at Capital Junior High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut. For twenty-three years, Dr. Hardy taught at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in addition to serving in several capacities including Professor of Mathematics, Chairperson of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Dean of the College of Science and Vice President for Academic Affairs. From 1979 through 2001, Dr. Hardy received grants from the National Science Foundation, The William Penn Foundation, Minority Science Improvement Program, United States Department of Education, Pennsylvania Education Department, the United States Department of Energy and in May 2001 a $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation for a “Program for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Computer Technology.” Dr. Hardy received many awards for both academic and community service including: the President’s Award for Academic Excellence from Cheyney University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Distinguished Faculty Award, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Certificate for Exceptional Academic Service, the Marcus Foster Award for Outstanding Educators presented by Educators Roundtable, Inc., and Who’s Who among American Teachers and Educators for 2006-2007. After retiring from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Hardy moved from Pennsylvania to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1994. For 13 years he was employed at Southern University at New Orleans, where he was a tenured Professor of Mathematics, Director for “Program for Excellence, Mathematics, and Computer Technology” and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He was also a Commissioner for the South-Central Planning and Development Commission, a member of Tulane Baptist Church in New Orleans, La, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for St. Michael Baptist Church in Laplace, La.