Friday, December 26, 2008
New Orleans Activist Dies
Posted by David Winkler-Schmit on Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Dr. Marshall Truehill — public housing activist, senior pastor of First United Baptist Church, former chairman of the New Orleans City Planning Commission and president of City Works, a nonprofit organization committed to the sustainable rebuilding of New Orleans — died yesterday.
Truehill, a native New Orleanian who grew up in public housing, was known for his strong public advocacy for African Americans, and was not afraid of speaking his mind on controversial subjects. He spoke out against the demolition of the city’s “big four” (B.W. Cooper, C.J. Peete, St. Bernard and Lafitte) public housing developments, but, at the same time, campaigned in favor of the city charter amendment giving the master plan the power of law.
“He was just fearless,” says Angela O’Byrne, who worked with Truehill at City Works. “He would speak, not hysterically, but very rationally, calmly and believably, even when he knew what he was saying was controversial.”
Karen Gadbois, a fellow activist says she didn’t always see eye-to-eye with Truehill, but respected him for his ability to listen to others, especially those with opposite opinions.
“He was a true bridge between blacks and whites, and we don’t have many of those in this city,” Gadbois says.
Truehill had just received a doctorate in urban studies, his third, from the University of New Orleans. He is survived by his wife, Miranda Farr, and five children. He was 60 years old.
Comments (11)
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I am shocked. New Orleans can ill-afford to lose such a powerful voice of reason -- a pillar of the community. When forces of fear and irrationality threatened, Truehill always provided a path which strove to achieve justice through dialog and understanding. Condolences to Truehill's family. He will be profoundly missed, but always remembered for his contribution to the improvement of life in New Orleans.
Marshall was - it is so hard to use that verb - a great proponent of what our city could be if we exercised true humanity for our fellow citizens. He cared about people, about just and sensible public policies. He was there to help when you needed him. And when he walked to the podium, you knew he would speak from his heart and his mind, make supreme sense, and do the best that could be done to persuade others to do right by all our citizens. I am so sad we have lost him. I have known very few people as honest, courageous, and principled.
Marshall Truehill, truly a Man of God and Voice for all the people, especially the downtrodden. Servant of God Well DONE , not good bye But we will see you later.
Marshall was just recently elected to the Board of Directors of ERACE (ERACISM) and he had been a long time supporter.
My heart and prayers goes out to the Truehill family. Dr. M. Truehill will be missed but not forgotten. It was always a blessing to hear him speak here at Greater King David B.C.
Dr. Truehill was a great friend of mine. He and the Faith In Action Team spent time with us at the Frist Baptist Church in Vacherie. He left his mark on our lives. God bless his family. He will certainly be missed.
4.28.09 I was working in Baton Rouge and N.O. after Katrina and Rita, and got to know this terrific man. So, I was shocked when I ran into friends at the national convention of planners. I respected the guy tremendously, and will never forget the prayer he offered in the fall of 2005 in front of thousands... Alan Feinberg Frederick,MD
