The matriarch of one of New Orleans’ most iconic political families has died. Sybil Haydel Morial, the wife of Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first Black mayor of New Orleans, died at the age of 91.Sybil Morial is the mother of Marc Morial, who is also a former mayor of New Orleans. Sybil was an activist, educator, and author. She worked as the associate dean at Xavier University for 28 years. Sybil was a champion for civil rights, committing her life to education and equality. The Morial family issued the following statement regarding her passing: “The Morial family today announced the passing of their mother and grandmother, Sybil Haydel Morial, and issued the following statement.”Words cannot express our sorrow at the loss of our beloved matriarch and guiding star. Our grief is tempered by our overwhelming gratitude for her life, her wisdom, and her love.”Like many women of the Civil Rights Era, she was the steel in the movement’s spine. From the moment she met our late father, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, they were joined in the fight for justice and equality. She confronted the hard realities of Jim Crow with unwavering courage and faith, which she instilled not only in her own children but in every life she touched.”As a teacher and university administrator, she imparted a reverence for education not only upon her own children but upon her students and the many colleagues who had the good fortune to fall under her brilliant mentorship.”She remains the ‘First Lady’ to generations of New Orleanians, who join her children, Dr. Julie Morial, Hon. Marc H. Morial, Mr. Jacques E. Morial, Ms. Cheri Morial Ausberry, Hon. Monique Morial; her seven grandchildren, her great-granddaughter, and a host of friends, family, and associates in our grief. We ask for the continued prayers of all who knew and loved her, and that our privacy be respected as we mourn our loss.”A celebration of life will be announced soon.”New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued the following statement regarding her passing: “The City of New Orleans and her residents are in mourning as we bid farewell to Sybil Haydel Morial. Mrs. Morial was a New Orleans treasure and trailblazer as the first African American First Lady of the City of New Orleans,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “The historic service of Mrs. Morial and her late husband Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first African American Mayor of New Orleans, will always be remembered as a shining legacy of love and inspiring leadership for the City of New Orleans. “The beloved former First Lady and wonderful mother of former Mayor Marc Morial, passed away at the age of 92. “Mrs. Morial was a champion for civil rights, and a woman who fought tirelessly to break barriers and pave the way for future generations. She was a respected educator and author who spent over 28 years as an Associate Dean and Administrator at Xavier University, where she made a lasting impact on countless students. “The City of New Orleans sends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Morial family, friends and all those who loved her. We will forever be grateful for all the lives she blessed throughout her life. May she now rest in God’s perfect peace.” “The City of New Orleans flag will fly at half-staff in honor of Mrs. Morial.”Congressman Troy Carter issued the following statement on her passing: “My heart is heavy with the news of the passing of the beloved Sybil Haydel Morial. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of such a remarkable woman. Mrs. Morial’s legacy as the matriarch of the iconic Morial family and her own contributions to civil rights and the city of New Orleans will forever be remembered with reverence and gratitude.“As the wife of the late Ernest ‘Dutch’ Morial, New Orleans’ first African American Mayor, she stood as a pillar of strength, grace, and wisdom—not only for her family but for countless individuals whose lives she touched through her tireless advocacy and leadership. Her commitment to education, equality, and justice served as a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to continue the fight for a more just society.“Though words can scarcely ease the grief that you must be feeling at this time, I hope you find comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the enduring legacy of service, dignity, and love she instilled in all of us. Her impact on the world will continue through her children, her grandchildren, and the many lives she uplifted. “May God bless you and keep you in His grace during this difficult time.”Former New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu issued the following statement following the announcement of her death: “Sybil Haydel Morial is a giant in New Orleans history, and I know the entire city mourns her passing. Few women have played such an outsized role in the recent history of New Orleans. Beyond her role supporting her husband Ernest “Dutch” Morial’s historic mayoral terms and being mother to Mayor Marc Morial, Mrs. Sybil was a champion for civil rights and voting rights in her own right. She organized women’s groups, voter registration, and school integration efforts in the face of immense racism and backlash. Mrs. Sybil was also an accomplished educator and administrator on top of raising five accomplished and successful children. I am certainly fond of the great counsel she provided me over my lifetime in politics and public service, including during the Tricentennial and our fight to take down the Confederate monuments. She leaves a powerful legacy of service to this community. My thoughts and prayers are with Julie, Marc, Jacques, Cheri, Monique, and the entire Morial family.”Jackie Harris and Wynton Marsalis issued the following statement: “First Lady Sybil Morial was a cultural icon, a political icon, a community icon and a humanitarian. She is an excellent example of what any and all women should be during their lifetimes.”Sybil vigorously supported the arts and many genres of music in her community and gave freely of her time. She ensured art and music was available to all citizens including those who could not afford to purchase expensive tickets.”Sybil chaired many music and cultural initiatives including the Essence Music Festival Steering Committee.”Since 1995, her strong support of the Arts and Cultural Host Committee which hosts the Louisia Satchmo Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp contributed to the future success of thousands of aspiring jazz musicians.”On behalf of the faculty, alumni and staff of the Jazz Camp, we will miss Sybil dearly.”New Orleans Council President Helena Moreno issued the following statement: “We have lost a true giant and icon of New Orleans. It deeply saddens me, as it does many in our community, to hear of the passing of former First Lady and civil rights champion Sybil Morial. Her remarkable contributions to education and activism have left an indelible mark that will resonate for generations. Mrs. Morial’s unwavering dedication to service and commitment to the people of New Orleans will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with her, her children and her family during this challenging time.” New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas issued the following statement: “Today, New Orleans mourns the loss of an extraordinary woman, Sybil Haydel Morial. Mrs. Morial was more than the wife of our first Black mayor, Dutch Morial, and mother of Mayor Marc Morial ; she was a trailblazer, educator, and fierce advocate for civil rights.”Her impact on our city is immeasurable—from her work at Xavier University to her lifelong dedication to justice and equality. As we remember her, we honor her unwavering love for New Orleans and her tireless efforts to uplift our community.”My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Morial family. Rest in power, Mrs. Morial.”Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams issued the following statement: “Rest in Power, civil rights champion Sybil Gayle Haydel Morial. “Ms. Sybil spent decades fighting for justice, breaking down barriers, being a leader, supporting other leaders, and raising new champions for justice. She not only waged this fight for equal justice in the face of Jim Crow, but also in the face of institutionalized sexism. It is incomprehensible how she was able to maintain such fortitude at a time when the voices of women were largely ignored. Yet she persevered, impacting generations to come. She weathered all kinds of literal and figurative hurricanes with grace and brilliance.”We have lost a giant.”Thank you to her children and her family for sharing her with all of us.”
NEW ORLEANS —
The matriarch of one of New Orleans’ most iconic political families has died.
Sybil Haydel Morial, the wife of Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first Black mayor of New Orleans, died at the age of 91.
Sybil Morial is the mother of Marc Morial, who is also a former mayor of New Orleans.
Sybil was an activist, educator, and author. She worked as the associate dean at Xavier University for 28 years.
Sybil was a champion for civil rights, committing her life to education and equality.
The Morial family issued the following statement regarding her passing:
“The Morial family today announced the passing of their mother and grandmother, Sybil Haydel Morial, and issued the following statement.
“Words cannot express our sorrow at the loss of our beloved matriarch and guiding star. Our grief is tempered by our overwhelming gratitude for her life, her wisdom, and her love.
“Like many women of the Civil Rights Era, she was the steel in the movement’s spine. From the moment she met our late father, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, they were joined in the fight for justice and equality. She confronted the hard realities of Jim Crow with unwavering courage and faith, which she instilled not only in her own children but in every life she touched.
“As a teacher and university administrator, she imparted a reverence for education not only upon her own children but upon her students and the many colleagues who had the good fortune to fall under her brilliant mentorship.
“She remains the ‘First Lady’ to generations of New Orleanians, who join her children, Dr. Julie Morial, Hon. Marc H. Morial, Mr. Jacques E. Morial, Ms. Cheri Morial Ausberry, Hon. Monique Morial; her seven grandchildren, her great-granddaughter, and a host of friends, family, and associates in our grief. We ask for the continued prayers of all who knew and loved her, and that our privacy be respected as we mourn our loss.
“A celebration of life will be announced soon.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued the following statement regarding her passing:
“The City of New Orleans and her residents are in mourning as we bid farewell to Sybil Haydel Morial. Mrs. Morial was a New Orleans treasure and trailblazer as the first African American First Lady of the City of New Orleans,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
“The historic service of Mrs. Morial and her late husband Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first African American Mayor of New Orleans, will always be remembered as a shining legacy of love and inspiring leadership for the City of New Orleans.
“The beloved former First Lady and wonderful mother of former Mayor Marc Morial, passed away at the age of 92.
“Mrs. Morial was a champion for civil rights, and a woman who fought tirelessly to break barriers and pave the way for future generations. She was a respected educator and author who spent over 28 years as an Associate Dean and Administrator at Xavier University, where she made a lasting impact on countless students.
“The City of New Orleans sends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Morial family, friends and all those who loved her. We will forever be grateful for all the lives she blessed throughout her life. May she now rest in God’s perfect peace.”
“The City of New Orleans flag will fly at half-staff in honor of Mrs. Morial.”
Congressman Troy Carter issued the following statement on her passing:
“My heart is heavy with the news of the passing of the beloved Sybil Haydel Morial. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of such a remarkable woman. Mrs. Morial’s legacy as the matriarch of the iconic Morial family and her own contributions to civil rights and the city of New Orleans will forever be remembered with reverence and gratitude.
“As the wife of the late Ernest ‘Dutch’ Morial, New Orleans’ first African American Mayor, she stood as a pillar of strength, grace, and wisdom—not only for her family but for countless individuals whose lives she touched through her tireless advocacy and leadership. Her commitment to education, equality, and justice served as a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to continue the fight for a more just society.
“Though words can scarcely ease the grief that you must be feeling at this time, I hope you find comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the enduring legacy of service, dignity, and love she instilled in all of us. Her impact on the world will continue through her children, her grandchildren, and the many lives she uplifted.
“May God bless you and keep you in His grace during this difficult time.”
Former New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu issued the following statement following the announcement of her death:
“Sybil Haydel Morial is a giant in New Orleans history, and I know the entire city mourns her passing. Few women have played such an outsized role in the recent history of New Orleans. Beyond her role supporting her husband Ernest “Dutch” Morial’s historic mayoral terms and being mother to Mayor Marc Morial, Mrs. Sybil was a champion for civil rights and voting rights in her own right. She organized women’s groups, voter registration, and school integration efforts in the face of immense racism and backlash. Mrs. Sybil was also an accomplished educator and administrator on top of raising five accomplished and successful children. I am certainly fond of the great counsel she provided me over my lifetime in politics and public service, including during the Tricentennial and our fight to take down the Confederate monuments. She leaves a powerful legacy of service to this community. My thoughts and prayers are with Julie, Marc, Jacques, Cheri, Monique, and the entire Morial family.”
Jackie Harris and Wynton Marsalis issued the following statement:
“First Lady Sybil Morial was a cultural icon, a political icon, a community icon and a humanitarian. She is an excellent example of what any and all women should be during their lifetimes.
“Sybil vigorously supported the arts and many genres of music in her community and gave freely of her time. She ensured art and music was available to all citizens including those who could not afford to purchase expensive tickets.
“Sybil chaired many music and cultural initiatives including the Essence Music Festival Steering Committee.
“Since 1995, her strong support of the Arts and Cultural Host Committee which hosts the Louisia Satchmo Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp contributed to the future success of thousands of aspiring jazz musicians.
“On behalf of the faculty, alumni and staff of the Jazz Camp, we will miss Sybil dearly.”
New Orleans Council President Helena Moreno issued the following statement:
“We have lost a true giant and icon of New Orleans. It deeply saddens me, as it does many in our community, to hear of the passing of former First Lady and civil rights champion Sybil Morial. Her remarkable contributions to education and activism have left an indelible mark that will resonate for generations. Mrs. Morial’s unwavering dedication to service and commitment to the people of New Orleans will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with her, her children and her family during this challenging time.”
New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas issued the following statement:
“Today, New Orleans mourns the loss of an extraordinary woman, Sybil Haydel Morial. Mrs. Morial was more than the wife of our first Black mayor, Dutch Morial, and mother of Mayor Marc Morial ; she was a trailblazer, educator, and fierce advocate for civil rights.
“Her impact on our city is immeasurable—from her work at Xavier University to her lifelong dedication to justice and equality. As we remember her, we honor her unwavering love for New Orleans and her tireless efforts to uplift our community.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Morial family. Rest in power, Mrs. Morial.”
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams issued the following statement:
“Rest in Power, civil rights champion Sybil Gayle Haydel Morial.
“Ms. Sybil spent decades fighting for justice, breaking down barriers, being a leader, supporting other leaders, and raising new champions for justice. She not only waged this fight for equal justice in the face of Jim Crow, but also in the face of institutionalized sexism. It is incomprehensible how she was able to maintain such fortitude at a time when the voices of women were largely ignored. Yet she persevered, impacting generations to come. She weathered all kinds of literal and figurative hurricanes with grace and brilliance.
“We have lost a giant.
“Thank you to her children and her family for sharing her with all of us.”
