NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Funeral services in New Orleans honored the life of civil rights activist Sybil Morial on Monday, with tributes from notable figures including First Lady Jill Biden, former ambassador Andrew Young, and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Sybil Morial, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 91, was not only a prominent activist but also the widow of New Orleans’ first Black mayor, Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial, and the mother of former Mayor Marc H. Morial. Her legacy as a champion for civil rights was evident as many gathered to celebrate her life and contributions.
At the service held at Xavier University—where Morial studied and later worked for 28 years—Biden expressed her condolences through a video message. Andrew Young, a lifelong friend of Morial and a former United Nations ambassador, spoke with heartfelt admiration, stating, “There’s something magical and spiritual about the life of Sybil Morial that will never die.”
Rev. Sharpton, head of the National Action Network, emphasized the broader impact of Morial’s work, saying, “What Sybil Morial has done goes beyond her family, her husband, and her children. All of us are better because she decided to join the struggle to make the country better racially and gender-wise.” He also conveyed condolences from Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, acknowledging Morial’s role in breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
“Mrs. Morial will be remembered for the light she brought to this world,” Harris noted in her message. Additionally, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent their condolences, referring to Morial as “an extraordinary woman.”
Born on November 26, 1932, Morial faced the challenges of growing up in a segregated New Orleans. She attended Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black institution, before transferring to Boston University, where she met the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. This inspired her commitment to the Civil Rights Movement upon returning home.
During her activism, Morial founded the Louisiana League of Good Government, which played a crucial role in helping Black citizens register to vote during a time when discriminatory practices made voting arduous. She was also a plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit against a Louisiana law that prohibited public school teachers from participating in desegregation efforts, as noted by the LSU Women’s Center.
In heartfelt remembrances shared by her children, Marc Morial, now the leader of the National Urban League, reflected on their mother’s significant influence, declaring that the city had “lost its matriarch.” He remarked, “She is one of the last living personalities from that magic era of the 50s and 60s who opened doors so that we could walk through them.”
Marc shared how he and his siblings inherited various qualities from their mother: his brother Jacques and sister Julie received their high intelligence from her, while Cherie embraced her social charm, and Monique mirrored her imposing yet nurturing demeanor. As for himself, Marc felt he had inherited her remarkable multitasking abilities.
“She could cook, talk to you on the phone, help us with homework, and every hair would still be in place. She was masterful at juggling many tasks simultaneously,” he recalled fondly.
In a moment of poignant celebration of her memory, Marc concluded his reflection with a message to St. Peter, saying, “Open the gates! Sound the trumpet! Roll out the red carpet! Our queen is coming your way!” His words were met with a resounding applause from the attendees.
