Sybil Haydel Morial, Civil Rights Activist and Widow of New Orleans’ First Black Mayor, Dies at 91

Sybil Haydel Morial, a prominent civil rights activist and matriarch of the Morial family in New Orleans, has passed away at the age of 91. Her legacy as the wife of the city’s first Black mayor, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, and mother to former Mayor Marc Morial, leaves a lasting impact on the community.

Born and raised in a deeply segregated New Orleans, Sybil Morial was a fearless advocate for racial equality. She met Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Boston, which inspired her to join the civil rights movement and fight against the injustices of Jim Crow laws.

Throughout her life, Morial faced discrimination and challenges, including being denied enrollment at leading universities in New Orleans due to her race. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to dismantle segregation laws and create a more equitable society.

After marrying Dutch Morial in 1955, Sybil supported her husband’s political career, raising their five children and navigating the racist threats that came with his public service. She also became a prominent figure in New Orleans politics, founding organizations to promote voter registration and challenging discriminatory laws.

Sybil Morial’s impact extended beyond her family and into the city itself. She played a key role in the 1984 World’s Fair, advocating for a pavilion dedicated to African American history, and produced a documentary on desegregation in New Orleans in 1987.

Her passing is mourned by the city, with former Mayor Mitch Landrieu and current Mayor LaToya Cantrell praising her as a trailblazer and a New Orleans treasure. The city will honor her memory by flying the flag at half-staff.

Sybil Morial’s dedication to civil rights and her contributions to the city of New Orleans will be remembered for generations to come. Funeral plans have not yet been announced, but she is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.