Former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu, a Racial Bridge Builder Passes Away at Age 92
Data News Staff Edited Report On September 5, 2022, former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu — whose early, lonely stand against segregationists in the Louisiana Legislature launched a political career where he was at the [...]
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Data News Staff Edited Report
On September 5, 2022, former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu — whose early, lonely stand against segregationists in the Louisiana Legislature launched a political career where he was at the forefront of sweeping changes on race in the city, died Monday, at the age of ninety-two.
He lived a life dedicated to justice. First serving as state legislator, then on the City Council during the tide of social change in New Orleans, where many were still resistant desegregation.
Eventually, Landrieu became the mayor of the city in 1970, in part by promising to make jobs and other opportunities available to Black New Orleanians, who were up to that point disenfranchised.
“He took the important first step of integrating City Hall and thereby sending a strong message about the future of the city when it came to racial justice,” said Marc Morial, son of Ernest “Dutch” Morial, the first Black Mayor of New Orleans. Also, Marc served as mayor from 1994 to 2002. Presently, he serves as President and CEO of the National Urban League.
Leaders from around the city, state and nation have sent their condolences. Council President Helena Moreno released the following statement on the loss of former Mayor Moon Landrieu:
“Mayor Landrieu transformed civic and political life with his courageous fights on behalf of the people of New Orleans, particularly around racial and economic justice. Along with his extraordinary wife Verna, Moon built a sprawling family deeply committed to public service and progress towards a better world. He will be long remembered as a leader who ignited transformative changes for racial justice, desegregation, and economic equality. His children, among them a Mayor, a Senator, a Judge, lawyers, and civic leaders, continue his example of servant leadership to our community, building a legacy of change in their wake.
Moon never stopped serving, mentoring countless civic and political leaders, lending his time and attention to causes here at home and across the world. He has left an indelible mark on our City and will be greatly missed.”
