Sybil Morial dead at the age of 91

The Morial family is mourning the death of matriarch Sybil Morial.

She died last night at the age of 91.

Morial was the First Lady of New Orleans when her husband, Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial, was the first black mayor of the city.  Her son Marc Morial later became mayor.

She was an activist and educator.

"Sybil Morial spent her career in the education field, first as a public school teacher and then later, as a dean at Xavier University in New Orleans," according to the KIPP: Ernest N. "Dutch" Morial School. "In 1962, she was the lone plaintiff in a successful challenge to a statute prohibiting public-school teachers from being involved in any organization advocating civil rights. She also formed the Louisiana League of Good Government to help African-American citizens register to vote."

She spent her life fighting for equal rights.

"A community activist, Mrs. Morial... served on numerous boards and committees that focus on women’s professional advocacy through her memberships with the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation and the affiliated Louisiana Women’s Forum."

The Amistad Research Center at Tulane University has documented Morial's life and has the papers of Sybil Morial available for research as part of a project called "A Range of Experiences: Documenting African American Women’s History and Achievements."

It discusses a lifetime of achievement, activism, civic engagement and a commitment to education.

Curator Jasmaine Talley says, "Sybil Gayle Haydel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1932, to Eudora Arnaud and Clarence C. Haydel, the second of four children. She grew up in a middle-class Black Creole family in the Seventh Ward."

Morial graduated from Xavier University Preparatory High School and attended Xavier University in New Orleans before transferring to Boston University and graduating with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1952. She earned a master’s in education from Boston University in 1955.

"In 1955, she married Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial, a prominent civil rights lawyer. They have five children: Julie, Marc, Jacques, Cheri and Monique. From 1959 to 1971, Sybil Morial worked in the Orleans Parish School System in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1977, she became the director of the Special Services Program at Xavier University of Louisiana, the year before Dutch Morial would become the first African-American mayor of New Orleans. She would spend the next twenty-eight years at Xavier University in many different capacities before retiring in 2005," Talley documented.

Funeral details are pending.

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu issued the following statement on the passing of Sybil Morial:

"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."

Mayor LaToya Cantrell today issued the following statement:

"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.