Dr. Norman C. Francis is a New Orleans legend. Known for his role as President of Xavier University and his work during the Civil Rights Movement, his leadership uplifted many along the way in his journey through life.

Norman C. Francis Aug. 8, 1998
Norman C. Francis Aug. 8, 1998

Dr. Francis was born in Lafayette during the Great Depression on March 20, 1931. Though he was originally planning to enlist in the army because his family could not afford to send him to college, a former teacher arranged for him to attend Xavier University. The rest was history.

Graduating with honors in 1952, Francis then became the first Black student to attend Loyola University Law School. The friendships he formed during his years in college and law school turned into life long bonds that would shape the city of New Orleans greatly.

After Francis got his law degree, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Third Armored Division. After that, he began his career as a lawyer and fought segregation, representing clients who staged sit-ins at white-only lunch counters on Canal Street.

It wasn't only there that he fought for civil rights. After returning to Xavier in 1957 to become the dean of men, he allowed the Freedom Riders to stay on campus as they fought segregation. 

Francis was the first lay person and first Black person to become President of Xavier University in 1968, a post he held for 47 years.

President Bush, right, bestows the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Xavier University of Louisiana President Norman C. Francis during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 15, 2006. Francis announced his retirement today.
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
President Bush, right, bestows the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Xavier University of Louisiana President Norman C. Francis during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 15, 2006.

During his time at Xavier University, Dr. Francis served on more than 50 boards and received numerous accolades including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an honor he received from President George Bush in 2006.

When the city started its streets-renaming project, it was no surprise that one was renamed in Dr. Francis' honor. Best of all, he lived to see it happen in 2021.

Dr. Norman C. Francis died on February 18, 2026. He left an indelible mark on the city of New Orleans, who would not be who she is today save for Dr. Francis.