HNOC and the Norman Rockwell Museum present a film screening to mark the 65th anniversary of school desegregation in New Orleans

Written By Alicia Vial

Panel discussion examines Rockwell’s painting as the most recognized image of the civil rights movement

NEW ORLEANS — On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of school desegregation in New Orleans, HNOC is hosting the Norman Rockwell Museum’s film screening and discussion focused on Norman Rockwell’s iconic 1963 painting “The Problem We All Live With.” The film screening and panel discussion takes place Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at HNOC’s Williams Research Center.

“Norman Rockwell’s poignant artwork, “The Problem We All Live With”, takes on new meaning as historical moments are viewed from a contemporary lens. We extend our deep gratitude to the Terra Foundation for American Art and to the New Orleans community—most especially the women who courageously took their first steps toward education in the desegregated New Orleans public schools,” said Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum. “The Museum is honored to tell the stories of these courageous families, who with great sacrifice, took a major stride to bend the long arc of the moral universe a little closer toward justice. Their stories are important and should never be forgotten.”

Based on events that took place in New Orleans on Nov. 14, 1960, after a federal judge issued an order forcing the city to desegregate its schools, Rockwell’s painting has become one of the most recognized and potent images of the civil rights movement.

The film centers on the personal stories of the New Orleans Four, the 6-year-old Black girls who were the first students to desegregate New Orleans schools: Ruby Bridges, Gail Etienne, Tessie Prevost and Leona Tate. New and archival interviews with the New Orleans Four capture not only their experiences of the first day of school, but also chronicle the traumatic years that followed as the girls were moved from one all-white school to the next, confronting hostility and even violence from students, faculty and administration alike. In addition to acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of these civil rights trailblazers, research also fills out the stories of the brave families, communities and the committed activists that supported them.

Parallel to this, the film examines Rockwell’s artistic process and delves into a pivotal time in his career after he leaves the Saturday Evening Post for Look where he is given the opportunity to create work to address the social and political realities of the day. The project also recognizes the role of Lynda Gunn, a young black girl from a local family in Stockbridge, Mass. who served as the model for the painting and how that image impacted her and her family's life.

In addition to presenting an expanded narrative about the painting and describing the historical events that inspired Rockwell’s image, the film explores how storytelling can obscure the truth and asks viewers to consider the power dynamics behind who gets to tell stories and write histories.

Following the film screening, a panel featuring Eric Seiferth, HNOC curator and historian; Barbara-Shae Jackson, PhD, research scientist, Slover Linett at NORC at the University of Chicago; and Margot Yale, project research advisor for interpretation, Norman Rockwell Museum, will respond to questions and share reflections on the civil rights period, how the painting represents that history and what the painting means today. 

“Hosting this film screening and discussion with the Norman Rockwell Museum is significant for us, especially as we mark the 65th anniversary of school desegregation here in New Orleans,” said HNOC President and CEO Daniel Hammer. “The film’s focus on the experiences of the New Orleans Four is directly relevant to the essential local stories we are telling in our exhibit, ‘The Trail They Blazed,’ which chronicles the New Orleans Civil Rights Movement. It’s crucial that we use every opportunity to amplify the sacrifices and contributions of these young trailblazers and their families, and this partnership allows us to connect a world-famous image to the very real and ongoing history preserved in our city."

The film screening begins at 11 a.m. followed by the panel discussion at noon. The event is free, but registration is required. Support for this event comes from Kathryn Potts and Richard Bradway of the Norman Rockwell Museum. To learn more or to register, visit hnoc.org.

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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