New Iberia in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
J. Leo Hardy
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 23, 2025
1. J. Leo Hardy Marker
Text taken from second panel
J. Leo Hardy a native of New Iberia, Louisiana is a staple figure for the community A true leader, at best he was the first NAACP President of the local New Iberia Chapter. Today, the chapter honors J. Leo Hardy as a hero.
He was a businessman of New Iberia and owned his own insurance company. After being exiled from the city he was forced to close the doors to his business.
He advocated to open a welding trade school for the blacks to help with the war efforts that were being taken place during the 40's. His efforts were shut down by local jurisdiction. In hindsight, some say the school would have helped our local economy and the oil field industry.
Panel 3
Equal Education For All
In 1944, during the Civil Rights Movement, he and other community leaders and doctors were violently exiled from New Iberia after advocating for equal rights in the school system. J. Leo Hardy died shortly after the event took place.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education.
Location. 30° 0.47′ N, 91° 49.719′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana Cajun Country and specifically in Bayou Country. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, Acadia, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Queen Mother Moore - African Liberation Leader (within shouting distance of this marker); The Erath Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Eddie L. Dorsey, MD; Ima Pierson, DDS; Howard C. Scoggins, MD; Luins Williams, MD (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Peter's Cemetery (approx.
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 23, 2025
2. J. Leo Hardy Marker
Panel 2
More about this marker. Located in the West End Cultural District, one of numerous panel boxes painted (wrapped) with culturally significate locals.
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 23, 2025
3. J. Leo Hardy Marker
Panel 3
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 23, 2025
4. J. Leo Hardy Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 31, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
