Morial, who served as the Mayor of New Orleans from 1994-2002, was a popular chief executive with a broad multi-racial coalition who led New Orleans' 1990's renaissance, and left office with a 70% approval rating. With vigor and creativity he passionately attacked the city's vast urban problems. Violent crimes and murders dropped by 60%, the unemployment rate was cut in half, and New Orleans' poverty rate fell according to the 2000 Census. Elected by his peers as President of the bi-partisan U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), Morial served during the 9/11 Crisis and championed the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federalization of airport security screeners.
National Urban League (www.nul.org) - Established in 1910, The National Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are over 100 local affiliates of the National Urban League located in 35 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than 2 million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research.
