Forgotten Figures: Baton Rouge’s Unsung Heroes

Baton Rouge history is filled with powerful names and moments but some of the City's most inspiring figures never get the spotlight they deserve and it's because of the color of their skin. Behind every milestone, their individuals who have broken barriers and shattering the glass ceiling. They shaped the city through courage hard work and perseverance 

Two of those Trail Blazers happened to be a part of my own family. Thomas Woods my great uncle on my mother's side the first black fire chief in Baton Rouge and are Erlinda Leachman my grandmother on my dad's side who became the first black woman to be a telephone operator at Bell South in Baton Rouge. 

Chief Thomas Woods began his career at a time when racial barriers still existed within the Baton Rouge Police Department. However through years of dedication and Leadership he rose through the ranks starting off at Scotlandville F.D. and eventually made history as the city's first African-American Fire Chief. He opened the doors for future generations of black firefighters and recognition of his impact Fire Station Number 9 was later dedicated in his honor as a symbol of progress and pride for the city.

My grandmother or Linda Leachman who helped change what opportunity looks like in the city of bedrooms when she joined the South and telephone company as the first black telephone operators even though she was a light skin woman she stepped into the position that had never been held by someone who looked like her and through her professionalism and words she helped the way for what the work place

  Their stories remind us that black history in Baton Rouge isn't just about public figures, it's about families, neighbors and everyday heroes who have made change possible across the city .