Cicely Tyson Remembered Locally For Help With Hurricane Katrina Recovery

From the City of New Orleans:

January 30, 2021

Mayor LaToya Cantrell has issued the following statement on the death of actress and humanitarian Cicely Tyson at age 96:

"We mourn the passing of legendary actress Cicely Tyson. Among her captivating roles, she touched the hearts of New Orleanians with her inspiring performance in 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,' a TV adaptation of the book by Louisiana's own Ernest J. Gaines. For me, it's her less-known role off screen that draws the spotlight today. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, she came to our City's aid as she joined many others in the work to help us recover from the devastation. We will forever remember her passionate support of New Orleans through the Children's Defense Fund, outlined in a CNN op-ed letter penned with their co-founder. Cicely Tyson was a pioneer, both as an actress and as a humanitarian. May she rest in God's perfect peace."

Tyson also starred in the young adult movie "Sounder," filmed and set in Louisiana.

This press release was produced by the City of New Orleans. The views expressed are the author's own.