Big Duck: A Legacy of Unyielding Courage | New Orleans News

Jerome “Big Duck” Smith, a civil rights legend who died at 87, lived by one rule: never bow. A Freedom Rider turned community builder, he founded Tamborine & Fan to empower New Orleans youth with history, civic pride, and resistance to drugs. Known for rallying kids to demand change—blocking traffic for clean streets, flooding mayor’s offices with children—he earned his nickname and left a legacy of unshakable courage. His daughter recalls him buying 75 birthday cakes for kids; his allies say his moral compass centered on children’s dignity. Though gone, Big Duck’s roar echoes in every young voice that stands tall, speaks up, and refuses to bend. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3641caf98b071646