Mark Morial: “Never Hesitate to Use Your Voice”

Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League and former Mayor of New Orleans, underscored the importance of coalition building and speaking out to I-House residents and alumni during an inspiring and very personal conversation on March 12.

In a conversation that wove personal memory with national history, Morial reflected on his lifelong dedication to civil rights, social justice, and purpose-driven leadership. He recounted his experience as one of the first Black students to attend a newly integrated elementary school in New Orleans—a moment that shaped his understanding of inequality, resilience, and opportunity.

He described being placed at the back of a classroom alongside a small group of other Black boys, and the daily walk he and his sister made through unfamiliar neighborhoods to reach the school. These early experiences of segregation and courage, he noted, instilled in him a lasting sense of mission.

Morial also shared the broader social backdrop of that era—how many white families resisted integration by transferring their children to private institutions, while others stayed and became part of a difficult but necessary transformation.

Likening the practice to gumbo, the New Orleans dish composed of a variety of distinctly different ingredients, Morial stressed the importance of coalition-building among citizens of varying backgrounds and viewpoints.

“In a coalition, people have to have room to be themselves, while at the same time trying to find common ground,” he said.

Throughout the evening, Morial emphasized the importance of leading with both passion and purpose. “Follow your passion,” he said, “but connect it to your purpose.” His own career, from public office to national advocacy, has been guided by this belief. Under his leadership, the National Urban League has launched innovative programs focused on education, economic empowerment, and criminal justice reform.

The event concluded with a conversation between Morial and residents, highlighting the power of civic engagement and collective action. As part of International House’s Centennial programming, the evening offered a timely reflection on past progress and the ongoing work of building a more equitable society.

I-House Trustee Peter M. O’Neill ’92 welcomed the audience and introduced Trustee Karl J. Connor ’95, who had invited his fellow New Orleanian to speak at the House. The discussion was moderated by International House resident Nia-Hyatt Eldosougi.