Don C. Hubbard

Don C. Hubbard has dedicated his entire life to the fight for Social Justice. As a champion of equality, he has contributed greatly to the battle against discrimination in the public and political communities of New Orleans. From his work during the Civil Right Movement to his commitment to provide students with an opportunity to attend college, Mr. Hubbard has selflessly crusaded to establish a voice for the voiceless in New Orleans.

Mr. Hubbard’s career in public advocacy began with the Civil Right Movement in the 1960s. As a member of the New Orleans Chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), Mr. Hubbard contributed to numerous sit-ins and demonstrations throughout the South with acts of leadership and courage. In 1963, Mr. Hubbard helped organize the first march on New Orleans City Hall to deliver better jobs and greater access to public facilities. In the late 1960s, he participated in a demonstration at Southern University at Baton Rouge to protest segregated stores. As a result of the demonstration, the participants were sprayed with tear gas and water hoses.

As a community leader, Mr. Hubbard has established numerous organizations and foundations to enhance the quality of life throughout New Orleans. In the 1960s, he established the Gentilly East Development Association (GEDA) to lobby the city for adequate city services, including garbage collection, underground drainage and street paving. In 1967, Mr. Hubbard organized the Southern Organization for Unified Leadership (SOUL) to grant support to African-Americans seeking public office. SOUL has remained at the forefront of the struggle to gain leadership roles for African-Americans and is also a vital organization in the political arena. As a member of the trustee board of the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church, he launched the Paul S. Morton, Sr. Scholarship Fund. The foundation has provided five $25,000 scholarships each year to help students in their college endeavors for the last 25 years.

Mr. Hubbard is not only a Civil Rights leader and community activist, but also an entrepreneur. In the 1970s, Mr. Hubbard established the largest 100 percent Black-owned and operated services company in America, Superdome Services, Incorporated. He has also served as president and a major stockholder of Louisiana Sports, Incorporated, while working as vice president of managing and promoting the world heavy weight championship boxing match, September 1978, between Muhamad Ali and Leon Spinks. This event was one of the most significant sporting events in history that still hold the world record for the most attended event ever in the Louisiana (Mercedes Benz) Superdome.

Mr. Hubbard, also promoted the former light/heavyweight champion of the world, Michael Spinks. Mr. Hubbard also spent time working with Spencer Promotions managing former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe.  A former state employee, Deputy Director, Division of Youth Services and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.  Also, he served as a member of the Louisiana State Parole Board.  Mr. Hubbard currently owns and operates the Hubbard Mansion Bed and Breakfast on St. Charles Avenue which he received the “Golden Hammer Award” for its construction.  He is the recipient of several awards for his leadership which includes: Avery C. Alexander Civil Rights Award, Marlin Gusman “Living Legends Award”, New Orleans Chapter Urban League “Man of the Year”, “Young Leadership Council”, Omega Psi Phi “Man of the Year”, “Ashante Award”, Living Legend Award 2016, Central City EOC Community Corporation, and also honored by the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (ACLU), Data News Weekly / Entergy “Trailblazer Award“, Civil Rights Legend of New Orleans, From Shakles to Mansions by The Amistad Research Center and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen B. Blanco, The Founders Award by the National Conference for Community and Justice, NOBLE – National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives “ Civil Rights Award”, and many others.