Marc Morial

Marc Morial Speaker Biography

US Political & Civic Leader and President of the National Urban League

Marc Morial stands out as a keynote speaker on civil rights and economic empowerment, bringing over 25 years of leadership to national audiences. Since becoming President of the National Urban League in 2003, Marc Morial has spearheaded a sweeping transformation of the 105-year-old civil rights institution. While honoring the League’s rich legacy, he redefined its mission for a new century—centering economic parity, social justice, and access to opportunity for all Americans. Through bold policy initiatives and high-impact partnerships, Morial’s leadership has advanced a modern empowerment agenda aimed at closing racial and economic disparities nationwide. Moreover, his strategic direction has infused the organization with renewed energy and relevance at a time when economic inclusion remains an urgent national concern. With his dynamic voice and proven track record, Marc Morial continues to inspire leaders, business professionals, and civic organizations across the globe.

National Urban League

Under Marc Morial’s visionary stewardship, the National Urban League achieved historic levels of fundraising and impact. The organization completed a landmark $280 million five-year campaign, setting new benchmarks in nonprofit excellence. Consequently, Morial secured BBB nonprofit accreditation and a 4-star Charity Navigator rating—placing the League in the top 10% of U.S. charities for governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. These achievements reflect not only operational discipline but also the League’s expanding footprint in underserved communities. As a keynote speaker on civil rights and economic empowerment, Marc Morial uses these milestones to highlight how nonprofit leadership can catalyze transformative change. Additionally, his leadership has helped reposition the League as a premier platform for inclusive economic development, workforce readiness, and community resilience. His impact resonates far beyond traditional civil rights conversations, advancing new frameworks for equity in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Employment

In 2013, Marc Morial launched “Jobs Rebuild America: Educate, Employ, Empower,” a five-year, $100 million workforce initiative targeting 50 U.S. cities. This bold program integrated public, private, and nonprofit efforts to generate sustainable economic opportunities. Through the Urban League’s affiliate network, it connected federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and local nonprofits to close employment gaps and strengthen educational access. Importantly, this initiative reflected Morial’s core philosophy: systemic problems require collaborative solutions. As a keynote speaker on civil rights and economic empowerment, Marc Morial frequently underscores the importance of cross-sector partnerships in workforce development. The program’s results speak for themselves—thousands of Americans gained access to jobs, skills training, and small business resources. It also cemented the League’s leadership in shaping workforce policy at both the grassroots and national levels. Through this work, Morial reaffirms his commitment to economic justice as a cornerstone of civil rights in the 21st century.

Empowerment

Marc Morial’s commitment to empowerment extends deeply into community-based economic development. He has championed programs like the Urban Youth Empowerment Program, which equips underserved youth with career-building skills and direct job placement support. At the same time, he founded Entrepreneurship Centers in 10 cities, offering resources, mentorship, and capital access to small business owners—many of them minority-led. Further amplifying this work, he helped launch the Urban Empowerment Fund and the League’s New Markets Tax Credit initiative. Collectively, these tools have mobilized over $1 billion in investments for urban impact businesses. Marc Morial’s strategic vision ensures these efforts don’t operate in silos; rather, they function as part of a comprehensive ecosystem of economic empowerment. When addressing audiences as a keynote speaker on civil rights and economic empowerment, Marc Morial draws on these initiatives to demonstrate the power of inclusive capital and entrepreneurial growth in lifting entire communities.

Mayor

Before leading the National Urban League, Marc Morial served two terms as mayor of New Orleans. He forged a dynamic, multiracial coalition that guided the city’s economic and cultural revitalization in the 1990s. His administration tackled systemic inequality while improving public safety, economic development, and education. In fact, Morial left office with an impressive 70% approval rating. His tenure is widely credited with laying the foundation for the city’s modern resurgence. As a civic leader with real-world executive experience, Marc Morial brings authenticity and insight to discussions on urban renewal and public policy. These experiences also enhance his appeal as a keynote speaker on civil rights and economic empowerment, especially for audiences seeking actionable lessons in cross-sector leadership.

Lawyer, Professor, and Senator

Marc Morial’s public service roots run deep. As a young attorney, he won the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award and successfully argued a major case before the Louisiana Supreme Court at age 26. As a Louisiana State Senator, he earned accolades such as Legislative Rookie of the Year and Education Senator of the Year, while passing laws focused on education, environmental protection, and social justice. Additionally, Morial served as an adjunct professor at Xavier University, teaching Constitutional and Business Law. These varied roles prepared him to address America’s toughest challenges with nuance and resolve. Whether in courtrooms, classrooms, or statehouses, Marc Morial consistently championed equity, making him an unparalleled keynote speaker on civil rights and economic empowerment.

Education, Appointments, and Recognition

Marc Morial earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and African American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He holds multiple honorary doctorates, including from Howard and Xavier Universities. His leadership earned presidential appointments from both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Under President Obama, he served on the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability and chaired the Census Advisory Committee. Recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans, and by The Nonprofit Times as one of the Top 50 Nonprofit Executives, Marc Morial continues to lead with intellect and integrity. His multidimensional experience and national influence make him one of today’s most compelling keynote speakers on civil rights and economic empowerment.