career as an attorney in private practice; and that his father was the first African American in a number of positions throughout his inspirational life. “In addition to breaking new ground at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, “Dutch” was the first African American to graduate from Louisiana State University (LSU) Law School, to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney, to serve as a Juvenile Court Judge in Louisiana, and to serve as the Mayor of New Orleans,” Brother Marc Morial said. Brother Ernest N. Morial received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Xavier University in 1951 and he received his J.D. degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 1954. During his early years of practicing law in New Orleans, Brother Morial was a cooperating attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Inc. and president of the New Orleans Chapter of the NAACP. Locally, he fought for equal rights by handling many suits, which resulted in the elimination of segregation policies at various institutions including: Delgado Trade School, the New Orleans Municipal Auditorium, Louisiana State University in New Orleans, Southwestern (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), and Southeastern Louisiana University at Hammond. Brother Dutch Morial was extensively involved in civic and community service programs locally and nationally. He was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as a charter member of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and was a member of the Steering Committee of the Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities of the American Bar Association. He was a founder and former president of the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation. In addition, Brother Morial taught at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Tulane University Law School, Xavier University, the Loyola University Institute of Politics and Southern University in New Orleans. As Mayor of New Orleans, Brother Dutch Morial was one of New Orleans most honored chief executives and distinguished himself as one of the nation’s foremost urban leaders. He frequently testified before congressional committees and the national media recognized him as an important spokesperson for America’s cities and issues facing urban America. For his leadership positions, including development, revenue generation and civil rights, he received numerous honors and awards. Born in New Orleans in 1929, Brother Morial died in 1989 at the age of 60. He was married to Sybil H. Morial and they had five children.
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Spring • Summer 2007
Mrs. Sybil H. Morial, standing next to portrait, is greeted with applause following the unveiling.
Brothers of Sigma Lambda Chapter in New Orleans hang portrait in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal courtroom.
Members of the Morial Family and Sigma Lambda Chapter Brothers are pictured following the portrait unveiling.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net