Marc Morial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marc Morial
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Morial at 2025 National Urban League Conference.
|
|
| 59th Mayor of New Orleans | |
| In office May 2, 1994 – May 6, 2002 |
|
| Preceded by | Sidney Barthelemy |
| Succeeded by | Ray Nagin |
| 59th President of the United States Conference of Mayors | |
| In office 2001–2002 |
|
| Preceded by | Brent Coles |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Menino |
| Member of the Louisiana Senate from the 4th district |
|
| In office 1992–1994 |
|
| Preceded by | Ben Bagert |
| Succeeded by | Paulette Irons |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Marc Haydel Morial
January 3, 1958 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Michelle Miller |
| Parents | Ernest Morial Sybil Haydel |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BA) Georgetown University (JD) |
Marc Haydel Morial (born January 3, 1958) is an important American leader in politics and community work. He is currently the president of the National Urban League. Morial was the Mayor of New Orleans from 1994 to 2002, becoming the city's youngest mayor. He also led the United States Conference of Mayors in 2001 and served as a Louisiana State Senator from 1992 to 1994.
Contents
Marc Morial's Story
Early Life and Education
Marc Morial was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Ernest Morial, was also a well-known leader. His mother, Sybil Haydel Morial, was a teacher and community activist. Marc was the second of five children and grew up in a neighborhood called Pontchartrain Park.
He went to Jesuit High School in New Orleans. He was a very good student and a member of the National Honor Society. Even though there were only a few Black students at his school, Marc started the Student Association for Black Achievement. He also organized the school's first Black History Month celebration.
After high school, Marc went to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. In 1980, he earned a bachelor's degree in economics and African American studies. He then studied law at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., earning his law degree in 1983. While at Georgetown, he was active in student groups, including the National Black Law Students Association.
Starting His Career
After finishing law school, Marc Morial returned to New Orleans. He began his career as a lawyer. In 1985, he started his own law practice in the city.
Marc Morial decided to enter politics. After a close election for a U.S. Congressional seat, he was elected as a Louisiana State Senator in 1991. He served in the state senate until 1994.
Serving as State Senator
As a Louisiana State Senator from 1992 to 1994, Marc Morial worked on important issues. He was the Chairman of the Educational Institution Subcommittee. He was also a member of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, a group of Black lawmakers.
Mayor of New Orleans
In 1994, Marc Morial was elected Mayor of New Orleans. He won the election with 54% of the votes. At 36 years old, he was the youngest mayor of New Orleans in 50 years. He promised to make big changes in the city.
Morial was very popular and was re-elected for a second term in 1998. He won with almost 80% of the votes. During his time as mayor, the rate of violent crime in New Orleans dropped by half.
From 2001 to 2002, Mayor Morial also served as the President of the United States Conference of Mayors. In this role, he was the main spokesperson for cities across America. He also led various committees within the organization, focusing on topics like arts, the federal budget, and helping people who were hungry or homeless.
Leading the National Urban League
In 2003, Marc Morial was chosen to lead the National Urban League. This is a historic civil rights organization that works to help Black Americans achieve economic and social equality. As president, Morial introduced a new way to measure progress called the Equality Index. This index is part of the League's yearly report, "State of Black America."
National Advisory Roles
Marc Morial has also served on several important national committees. He was the Chair of the Census Advisory Committee in 2010. He was also a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability from 2012 to 2015. Earlier, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission, where he served from 1998 to 2000.
