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.

He reached out to black-owned businesses encouraging them to apply for contracts. Based on his achievements in reducing crime and reforming the police department Morial easily won re-election to a second term in 1998 New Orleans Mayoral Election. Morial also secured bond issues for street improvements the Canal Street streetcar line and an expansion of the city’s convention center.

Morial served as mayor of New Orleans Louisiana from 1994 to 2002. He is married to Michelle Miller who has won awards as a CBS News Correspondent.