FOUNDATION FOR LOUISIANA ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SYBIL MORIAL

The Foundation for Louisiana expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Sybil Haydel Morial, a trailblazer in civil rights, education, and public service. Her life exemplified courage in the face of segregation and her enduring commitment to justice.?

Born into the Jim Crow South, Sybil experienced firsthand the harsh realities of racial segregation. As a young girl in New Orleans, she was barred from entering public spaces like City Park and Audubon Park because of her race. These experiences shaped her understanding of systemic injustice and fueled her desire to fight against it for the rest of her life.

Morial’s role as the wife of Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first Black mayor of New Orleans, placed her at the center of a significant chapter in the city’s history. Together, they broke racial barriers, navigating the challenges of leading a city still grappling with the lasting effects of segregation. Sybil was an activist in her own right, using her platform to advance civil rights and support the community. When their son, Marc Morial, later became mayor of New Orleans, Sybil’s influence continued, as her work and legacy shaped his approach to leadership and service

“Mrs. Morial's life and legacy have shaped the path of Louisiana’s progress.? She taught us that our collective strength is in fighting for justice, even when the odds seem impossible,” said Charmel Gaulden, CEO & President, Foundation for Louisiana. “Her unwavering courage and wisdom will continue to guide us as we work toward the equitable future she envisioned. We honor her today and always.”

In addition to her civic work, Sybil dedicated 28 years of her life to education, serving as a teacher and administrator at Xavier University. She founded the Louisiana League of Good Government, which helped Black citizens in the Ninth Ward register to vote. Her role as a plaintiff in a successful lawsuit against a law preventing public school teachers from participating in civil rights organizations exemplifies her bold and fearless advocacy.??

Many of these experiences were shared in Sybil’s 2015 book, Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment. The former debutante and daughter of a prominent Creole surgeon was deeply committed to dismantling barriers to equality and worked tirelessly to ensure that future generations could benefit from the rights she fought for.?

Sybil Morial’s legacy is one of courage and a relentless pursuit of justice. She was a force for change, not just in New Orleans but across the country. We offer our deepest condolences to the Morial family. Sybil’s passing is a significant loss, but her impact will continue to inspire future generations.

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