Ellis Marsalis Sr. facts for kids

Ellis Louis Marsalis Sr. (born April 16, 1908 – died September 19, 2004) was an American businessman from New Orleans, Louisiana. He started as a poultry farmer. Later, he became a hotel owner, ran an Esso gas station, and was an important civil rights activist.

The Marsalis Family

Ellis Marsalis Sr. was born in Summit, Mississippi. His parents were Rosa and Simeon Marsalis. His father changed their family name to "Marsalis." Ellis Sr. became the leader of the famous Marsalis family. Many of his family members are well-known musicians.

His son, Ellis Marsalis Jr., is a famous jazz pianist. His grandsons are also very talented musicians. They include Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Jason Marsalis. Ellis Sr. was married to Florence Robertson. He also had a daughter named Yvette Marsalis. Even though his family was very musical, Ellis Sr. was not a musician himself. However, he really enjoyed listening to Delta blues music.

Ellis's Early Life

In 1927, Ellis Marsalis moved to New Orleans. He worked at a funeral home, driving a horse-drawn carriage. During World War II, he helped the country's efforts. He worked as a welder and built batteries for the war.

Running a Hotel

In 1943, Ellis Marsalis turned an old barn into a hotel. It was called the Marsalis Motel. This motel was special because it welcomed African Americans. At that time, many hotels in New Orleans only allowed white guests. This was due to unfair Jim Crow laws. These laws caused racial segregation in the Southern United States.

The Marsalis Motel quickly became popular. Many famous musicians stayed there, like Ray Charles and Etta James. Important civil rights leaders also visited. These included Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. In 1963, Ellis Marsalis helped start the Nationwide Hotel Association. He was elected its president. This group brought together Black hotel owners in the South. They worked to make their businesses stronger.

Important Achievements

Ellis Marsalis made history in Louisiana. He was the first Black businessman to get an Esso (now Exxon) gas station franchise. He owned and ran an Esso service station in New Orleans. He was also the first Black businessman to own a successful business in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

He was a member of the Republican Party for his whole life. He was a delegate at the 1964 Republican National Convention. He also helped David Treen win his campaign for Governor of Louisiana in 1982.

Marsalis played a big part in helping Black residents register to vote. This happened in Jefferson Parish between 1951 and 1966. He also helped pay for the education of Ernest Nathan Morial. Morial was the first Black student at the Louisiana State University Law School. He later became the first Black mayor of New Orleans. Marsalis also helped Judge Lionel Collins get elected. Collins was the first Black Judge in the 24th Judicial District Court.

Later Years

As the Civil Rights Movement succeeded, hotels began to welcome everyone. This meant that the Marsalis Motel had fewer guests. The motel closed on September 25, 1986. It was torn down in July 1993.

On January 9, 2015, the Jefferson Parish Historical Society put up a commemorative plaque. This plaque is at the old motel site. It honors Ellis Marsalis for his important contributions to Jefferson Parish and the Civil Rights Movement.