Statement from Interim President, Dr. Monique Guillory
Dillard University joins the city-wide tribute today to Sybil Morial, an incomparable First Lady of the Crescent City who leaves us a legacy of grace and resilience.
Collectively and individually, the Morial family is renowned for an array of achievements and titles. But Mrs. Morial was a trailblazer in her own right, breaking barriers and advocating for social justice and equality throughout her life. She was a fierce advocate for education, serving as a teacher and university administrator, later becoming the first African American woman to serve on the Orleans Parish School Board.
As we find ourselves in the midst of a historic presidential election, we recognize that in this space as well, Mrs. Morial was a champion and a leader, establishing her own platform and outreach to promote voter access when the conventional doors to such spaces were closed to her.
But along with all of the litany of achievements attributed to the Morial siblings and their parents, in many ways they characterize numerous remarkable families homegrown in Gentilly and throughout the Seventh Ward. And Mrs. Morial has been their ever-present matriarch – a kind and wise nurturer who is, one way or another, helping to raise us all in our extended human neighborhood – whether she showed up at our school for an event, or whether we were welcomed to their stately home along Bayou St. John. Long after administrations ended and following her husband’s passing, Mrs. Morial still felt like the First Lady of New Orleans. But regardless of status or titles, there were no airs or haughty attitudes about her. Mrs. Morial showed up like a caring mom from the block willing to help and lend a hand in any way she could – not for credit, recognition or praise, but simply because it was the right thing to do.
It occurred to me recently that I am the first native New Orleanian to serve as the president of Dillard University. This realization is particularly poignant today as the Dillard University family remembers Mrs. Morial’s contributions to our community and our world. With the blessing of her long life, we also recognize that her passing signals the end of a momentous era as we stand on the cusp of an uncertain future. We particularly cherish this family photo taken on Dillard’s campus on the eve of Ernest “Dutch” Morial’s mayoral inauguration. May Mrs. Morial’s spirit continue to guide us as we strive to make a difference in the world, just as she did.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Morial. Your indelible spirit will resonate as New Orleans continues to shine as beacon of joy and beauty for all the world.
