NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Morial family has announced the passing of their mother and grandmother, Sybil Haydel Morial, 91, who was the widow of New Orleans’ first Black mayor, Ernest ‘Dutch’ Morial. The family has 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, former Mayor Marc H. Morial, Mr. Jacques E. Morial, Ms. Cheri Morial Ausberry, and attorney, 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.”