by Marc Morial
First published 2020
Marc Morial chronicles his path from the segregated South to leading transformative change as mayor of New Orleans and president of the National Urban League. The son of New Orleans's first African American mayor, Morial recognized his leadership calling early. He witnessed his father's historic victory and learned that substantial change becomes possible with proper tools and strategy. During his own mayoral campaign, Morial assembled what he named the "Gumbo Coalition," bringing together African Americans, Whites, Latinos, Asians, business executives, grassroots activists, and clergy members. This diverse alliance helped him win office and deliver results that reduced crime rates and restored the city's standing. Under his leadership, New Orleans successfully secured an NBA franchise, hosted multiple Super Bowls, and attracted the Essence Festival, the nation's largest African American cultural event. Morial shares practical lessons from his journey, showing readers how effective leaders unite different voices behind shared goals and create lasting change in their communities.
Genres: african-american, biography-memoir, activism, american-history
Vibes: inspirational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-adversity
Setting: New Orleans, South
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
224 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins Leadership