“When you have made your choice, it is providence that is your guide. Good, bad, or indifferent. Your fate lies in that.” Morgan Freeman. Applying this inspirational quote to this article’s subject, Louis Flournoy (who is now no longer with us), it is very suitable. You see, I have recently had the privilege of interviewing Flournoy’s daughter, Barbara McIntyre, a Southern University graduate, who began her own academic career at Hampton Institute, in attempts to capture information regarding his legacy. Louis Eugene Flournoy was an African American scholar, Veteran, and educator. Born to parents Emma Rush and Oscar James Flourny on December 3, 1921, in Vernon, Louisiana, he resided in the parish of Jackson. In his adolescent years, he attended Jackson elementary and being the studious and educated fellow he is, he went on to attend Jackson Training School and graduated in 1941. After graduation, his education at his then university, Southern, was interrupted by his call to enlistment in the United States army from 1942-1945. During this time World War 2, was in motion, and he was positioned as a postal clerk. At one point during his service, he was even stationed out of the country in Europe! Talk about experiences! Proceeding his honorable discharge in ‘45, he returned to the states and resumed his studies at Southern. By 1947 he had completed his bachelor’s degree in Social Studies at Southern University, a renowned Historically Black College, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Here, Flournoy met his future wife, Mary Osborne, for the second time. They eventually married in 1948. Remember my aforementioned detail regarding his schooling? Well, our dear friend Louis was indeed quite the man of letters. Immediately after receiving his degree, he acquired an additional Master’s degree at Texas Southern. Always productive, in the same year of ‘47, Professor Louis began his teaching career as a classroom teacher and later principal for an additional 15 years each. Beginning at Union Central High school located in Columbia, LA, he remained there for 11 years. Soon enough he mastered the fundamental levels of teaching, and was adjudged a prime pedagogue for Lincoln Parish. In addition to these achievements, he was asked to assume the Principal position at Hopewell school, stationed in Dubach, Louisiana for approximately 3 years. After his tenure at Hopewell, he was asked to become the principal of Glen View Jr, High Ruston, becoming the first African American to hold the role of principal of a predominantly white school after integration. He eventually retired from Glenview by 1979. Flournoy absolutely broke racial barriers during his prime and set the bar high with such an extensive reign regarding his positions at the time. He remained solely in retirement for the most part, excluding his active involvement and duties at St. Benedict Catholix Church. Through it all, he had his wife of 66 years, Mary, by his side. Together the couple shared their children as follows : Barbara McIntyre, James O. Flournoy, son-in-law Ervin McIntyre, and daughter-in-law Marcelina C. Flournoy. His family continues to grow as the couple lead an empire in the making with grandchildren, Pamela and Erika McIntyre, Jamie , Adonis , and Tony Flournoy, and a plethora of nieces and nephews, his legacy forever lives on. By: Rhiana Thomas