On a warm New Orleans evening, in the early hours of May 25, 2019, the life of Reginald Field, a 50-year-old Black / African American man, was tragically cut short. Field, a respected educator and Dean of Students at Andrew Wilson Charter School, was walking in the 2400 block of A.P. Tureaud Avenue when he was fatally shot. The incident was part of a particularly violent Memorial Day weekend in the city.
According to initial reports, Field was walking down the street when an unidentified
man opened fire, shooting him multiple times before fleeing the scene. He was pronounced dead at the location of the shooting. At the time of the incident, police had not identified a suspect or a motive for the killing, and despite the passage of time, publicly available information does not indicate that any arrests have been made in connection with the case.
The news of Field's death sent shockwaves through the community he served. Known as a strict but caring figure, he was remembered as a mentor who had a significant positive impact on the lives of his students. He was known for his morning talks and his memorable, if not always fashionable, attire, which included a jumpsuit with untied Timberland boots. His dedication to his students and his unwavering belief in their potential left a lasting mark on the school and the broader community.
In the days following his death, students, colleagues, and family gathered for a vigil on the neutral ground near where he was killed to honor his memory. They shared stories of a man who was a pillar of his community, a dedicated educator who rose from a challenging upbringing in a New Jersey housing project to become a beloved figure in New Orleans. The outpouring of grief was a testament to the profound loss felt by those whose lives he had touched.
