Marc Morial Quotes

Powerful Marc Morial for Daily Growth

About Marc Morial

Marc Morial, born on July 31, 1959, is an accomplished American attorney, political leader, and advocate for social justice. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the son of a prominent civil rights activist, Ernest "Dutch" Morial, who served as the first African-American mayor of New Orleans. This background deeply influenced Marc's life and career. Morial graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Amherst College in 1980 and subsequently earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1983. He began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Carlton W. Jones on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana before entering private practice. In 1991, Morial was appointed by Mayor Sidney Barthelemy to serve as the city's Housing Authority director. He later became the first African-American president of the Greater New Orleans Chamber of Commerce in 1995. In 1997, he was elected President of the National Urban League, a position he held until 2010. As President of the National Urban League, Morial became one of the most influential African-American leaders in America. He advocated for education reform, economic empowerment, and social justice. His tenure saw significant growth and expansion of the organization's programs and influence. Post-National Urban League, Morial returned to New Orleans, where he served as President of the University of New Orleans (2013-2017) and was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve on the Federal Communications Commission in 2021. Throughout his career, Marc Morial has been a tireless advocate for equal opportunity, social justice, and economic empowerment. His work has had a profound impact on numerous communities across America, making him one of the most influential African-American leaders of his generation.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The measure of a society is not how it treats its thriving, but how it treats its struggling."

This quote by Marc Morial underscores the idea that a society's true moral compass is revealed by how it cares for its most vulnerable members – those who are struggling or facing hardships. It suggests that a fair and just society prioritizes compassion, empathy, and support for all its citizens, not just those who are already successful. The quote implies that the well-being of a society can be assessed by observing how it uplifts and empowers the less fortunate, rather than solely focusing on the prosperity of the privileged few.


"We cannot afford to be indifferent to poverty because poverty does not respect geographical boundaries or socio-economic lines."

This quote by Marc Morial emphasizes that indifference towards poverty is not an option due to its universal nature. Poverty transcends borders, affecting all regions globally, and disregards social status, impacting individuals from all walks of life. In essence, the quote underscores the importance of addressing poverty as a shared global responsibility, requiring collective action to achieve equitable and sustainable solutions for all people.


"Success is not measured by what you achieve, but by the obstacles you overcome on your journey."

This quote emphasizes that success isn't defined solely by achievements or accolades, but rather by the hurdles one overcomes during their journey. It implies that the real measure of success lies in the resilience, determination, and adaptability demonstrated while navigating through adversity. The more challenges faced and conquered, the greater the success, as it signifies personal growth, perseverance, and the capacity to rise above difficulties.


"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."

This quote by Marc Morial emphasizes the importance of education as a means to secure one's future. It suggests that investment in knowledge and learning today will yield valuable opportunities tomorrow. In essence, he is saying that being prepared through education is key to success and seizing opportunities in the future, positioning oneself to be among those who can take advantage of what tomorrow brings.


"Our greatest strength lies in diversity, our greatest threat lies in division."

This quote by Marc Morial underscores the interconnectedness of unity and diversity in society. Diversity, in this context, refers to the rich array of differences in people's backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences that make up a community or nation. The strength that comes from diversity is rooted in its capacity to foster creativity, innovation, and resilience through the collective knowledge, perspectives, and skills it encompasses. On the other hand, division refers to any form of separation or conflict among people due to these differences. When a society becomes divided, it weakens because it loses the synergy that diversity brings, instead experiencing tension and discord. The greater the division, the more harmful its impact on a community's well-being, stability, and progress. In essence, Morial's quote highlights the importance of embracing diversity while striving for unity. A society that celebrates its differences but learns to work together harmoniously will be its strongest, as it can harness the power of diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to overcome challenges and thrive.


Because Katrina put it out there, no one can play the pretend game anymore that there isn't poverty and inequality in this country. The Millions More Movement - Katrina gives it added significance.

- Marc Morial

Game, Play, Country, Significance

We must continue to have voting rights in the state, not to politicize this, but they must have a voice in the rebuilding effort in the community from which they have been displaced.

- Marc Morial

Voice, Been, Which, Displaced

Money is not our primary aim. Changing the behavior and the practice of the gun industry is.

- Marc Morial

Money, Practice, Gun, Primary

The mayor has got to work closely with a wide variety of people, his city council, state legislature, governor, business community, labor community, president and the congress in order to be able to do this.

- Marc Morial

City, Congress, City Council, Legislature

Because you basically won a close re-election, your first task is to unify the city. And it's done not with words but with actions, by reaching out, to the supporters of your opponent as well as to reassure your own supporters.

- Marc Morial

City, Unify, Re-Election, Supporters

Rosa Parks was the queen mother of a movement whose single act of heroism sparked the movement for freedom, justice and equality. Her greatest contribution is that she told us a regular person can make a difference.

- Marc Morial

Mother, Queen, Parks, Make A Difference

The Society of American Civil Engineers, someone who's going to come in and say to the public, we've looked at, we've examined, we've reviewed the repairs and we think they're strong enough to withstand the type of hurricane that - that could hit the city this season.

- Marc Morial

Strong, City, American, Season

We've lost our city. I fear it's potentially like Pompeii.

- Marc Morial

City, Lost, Like, Potentially

This - the leadership of the mayor is crucial, because it is to the mayor that people will look to provide the vision, the energy, and the sense of confidence in the rebuilding and the recovery.

- Marc Morial

Will, Mayor, Crucial, Energy

For me, I have no political ego in this thing with respect to any other leader and what they might feel is appropriate or necessary in what they're going to try to do... We need everybody on the front lines.

- Marc Morial

Leader, Other, Appropriate, Lines

We stand ready to work together, where possible, in helping rebuild not only homes and businesses, but most importantly, lives of those who so desperately need our help.

- Marc Morial

Need, Rebuild, Lives, Work Together

Technology is permeating every single thing we do... And to the extent that we can better expose our young people to all the different ways that technology can be used, not just for video games or toys, we're planning for the future.

- Marc Morial

Young, Extent, Single Thing, Video Games

We have to remember that Dr. King was not an idle dreamer. Dr. King was a man of action. If Dr. King were here, he would challenge us and exhort us.

- Marc Morial

King, Here, Dreamer, Action

A great American city is fighting for its life.

- Marc Morial

City, American, Fighting, Great American

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