Morial to Address Confederate Monuments, Katrina, at Essence Festival

Urban League President and Former New Orleans Mayor Morial to Address Confederate Monuments, Katrina, at Essence Festival

Will Accept Prestigious McDonald’s Award

NEW YORK  – At this weekend’s ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, National Urban League President and CEO and former New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial will address the issue of Confederate monuments in New Orleans and discuss the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina during a keynote address.

He also is slated to receive a 2015 McDonald’s 365 Black Awards.

“Americans have confronted racial justice issues at an almost dizzying pace during the last few weeks,” Morial said. “It’s of course it’s an honor to receive this recognition of the important work that’s being done all across the Urban League Movement, but it’s even more meaningful to receive it at a moment in history when we are doing more than ever to confront and heal the wounds of our past, and as we commemorate the solemn anniversary of a moment in history that mobilized Black Americans.”

In its 12th year, the McDonalds 365 Black Awards program honors extraordinary African Americans who have made positive contributions in the community.  This year’s awards ceremony will taped on Friday and broadcast on BET next month.

Past winners include Former NFL player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dhani Jones; leading Hollywood producer Will Packer and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Morial’s keynote address is scheduled for 2:30 pm CDT on Saturday.

“The devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and the various governmental responses to it, shone a light on the plight of disadvantaged people of color,” Morial said. “During this anniversary, it’s important that we remember and honor those who died, and those who heroically dedicated themselves to New Orleans’ rebirth.  As part of that rebirth, we must confront the symbolism of Confederate monuments and whether they stand as an impediment to our advancement as a society.”