Robert "Bob" Hicks/ Robert "Bob" Hicks Street

Robert "Bob" Hicks/ Robert "Bob" Hicks Street. (Feb. 20, 1929 - Apr. 13, 2010). , Side 1 , Fueled by discriminatory practices and violent intimidation that permeated his community, threatened his family and friends, Mr. Hicks developed an unquenchable thirst for justice and equality. He "sparked the spirits" of people and communities. His involvement in planning rallies, marches, daily demonstrations, boycotts, organizing armed protection for targets of racially and politically motivated violence, and initiating successful legal challenges helped topple segregation ending "separate but unequal" practices in education, employment, law, government, voting rights, healthcare and housing. As a NAACP member, Treasurer of Prince Hall Masons, President of Bogalusa Chapter of Deacons for Defense and Justice, Pres. of Crown Zellerbach's segregated Union (International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers), and first African American supervisor in the mill's box plant, Hicks remained a staunch advocate for justice for all Americans and was an ordinary man with the courage to do extraordinary things., Side 2 , On Feb. 1, 1965, learning of a Ku Klux Klan plan to bomb his home, Robert Hicks and his family were told by police that they could not protect them. The Klan was furious that Hicks was housing 2 white civil rights workers and demanded they leave that night. Aware of the danger, Hicks said 'no' to the demand. Hicks and his wife called friends to take their 5 children to a safe place and asked for protection. Armed black men stood guard during the night. On Feb 21, the Jonesboro Deacons for Defense and Justice visited Bogalusa to start a chapter citing the 2nd Amendment and carrying guns with the mission of protection against white aggression. Hicks took the lead starting a Bogalusa chapter. Deacons' confrontation with the Klan created history, started a civil Rights Movement, empowering a people, and propelled the U.S. Government to enforce The 1964 Civil Rights Act to neutralize the Klan. The Hicks' home was the birth and meeting place for Deacons, foot soldiers, lawyers, civil and human rights advocates, and a safe haven for all. Decisions made in this home significantly impacted the future of the community, Louisiana and the nation. Hicks showed courage in defense of justice and equality.