Russell Joseph Henderson

HENDERSON Russell Joseph Henderson Long-time resident of the city of New Orleans, progressive community organizer Russell Henderson died on January 3rd from kidney cancer. Born in Baton Rouge, January 18th, 1948, Henderson attended grade school in Ascension Parish and graduated from high school at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, LA in 1965. He graduated from LSU in 1968 and received a Master's of Social Work from University of Michigan in 1970. Henderson was a certified social worker, a political consultant and activist, and a legislative lobbyist for progressive causes. He taught social work at Southern University and Dillard University during the 1980s and 1990s. He led or was involved with numerous political campaigns; a progressive stalwart, he advocated passionately for public education, healthcare, the environment, and civil rights. A significant highlight of his work was his deep involvement with the electoral campaign of Ernest "Dutch" Morial as mayor of New Orleans in 1978. Henderson is survived by three sons: Jason Henderson, age 38, of San Francisco, CA; Aaron Henderson, age 37, of Zurich, Switzerland; and Jonathan Henderson, age 36, of New Orleans; by his grandson, Isaac Henderson, age 2, of Zurich, Switzerland; his soul mate and partner Doreen Keeler; and his four brothers: David Henderson, Kevin Henderson, and Clyde Henderson, all of Baton Rouge, and Michael Henderson, of Lexington, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his father, J.P. Henderson of Prairieville and mother, Nina Atkinson of Morganza. He died at peace with his sons and his soul mate at his side. A Memorial Service will be held at 6 pm on Friday, January 7th at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5212 Claiborne Avenue. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his name to Second Harvest Food Bank, 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123. CHARBONNET-LABAT-GLAPION 581-4411