*As New Orleans prepares to host Super Bowl LIX in 2025, Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, stands at the intersection of sports, social change, and community empowerment.
With a long history of activism and leadership, Morial is playing a key role in several pre-game events designed to amplify advocacy, social justice, and empowerment.
In a recent interview, Morial shared his thoughts on the significance of Super Bowl LIX and the four major events he is leading throughout the week, celebrating both sports and community.
For Morial, the return of the Super Bowl to New Orleans holds deep personal significance.
“It’s an incredible feeling to see the Super Bowl return to New Orleans. This city has such a rich history of hosting major sporting events, and I’m honored to be part of the celebrations in such a meaningful way,” he reflects, highlighting the city’s legacy as a cultural and sports hub.
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Recognizing the global reach of the Super Bowl, Morial views the event as an ideal platform for promoting messages of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, making it an ideal platform to amplify critical messages of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through our events, we ensure that social impact remains front and center,” he states.
In light of recent debates surrounding DEI, Morial’s participation in the Super Bowl events serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing importance of advocacy and social justice.
“I want people to see that advocacy and empowerment are integral parts of progress. The conversation around DEI is evolving, but our presence at these events demonstrates that the fight for equality continues, and we will not be sidelined,” Morial emphasizes.
Marc Morial is playing a leading role in the Super Bowl LIX pre-game events, which are taking place from February 5 to February 8, 2025.
Super Bowl Soulful (Wednesday, February 5): The official pre-Super Bowl kick-off event, celebrating music, faith, and inspiration, with Morial opening the show.
NOLA Walk of Fame Induction (Thursday, February 6): Morial will be inducted into the Walk of Fame alongside his late father, Ernest “Dutch” Morial.
Restaurant Accelerator Program (Friday, February 7): Morial will help recognize restaurant owners impacted by COVID-19 and supported through the National Urban League’s program, with their program partners, PepsiCo Foundation and Urban League of Louisiana.
Humanitarian Award at the Super Bowl Empower House (Saturday, February 8): Morial will receive the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the annual event hosted by Leigh Steinberg.
As the official pre-Super Bowl Kick-Off event, Super Bowl Soulful is a celebration of music, faith, and inspiration. Morial shares, “I have the privilege of opening the show, setting the tone for a night of inspiration, faith, and music. It’s a true honor to help launch this impactful event.”
The NOLA Walk of Fame Induction on February 6 will be a deeply personal honor for Morial, who will be inducted alongside his late father, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, New Orleans’ first Black mayor.
“Being inducted alongside my father is deeply personal. His legacy paved the way for so many, including myself, and I’m humbled to share this moment with him posthumously,” Morial remarks.
On Friday, February 7, Morial will help recognize restaurant owners who were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but were able to rebuild and recover through the National Urban League’s Restaurant Accelerator Program.
This initiative provides critical support to restaurant owners, helping them navigate the challenges of the pandemic and emerge stronger than ever.
“These restaurant owners faced immense hardship, but with the League’s support, they’ve rebuilt stronger than ever. They deserve to experience the Super Bowl in person,” Morial says.
Finally, on Saturday, February 8, Morial will receive the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the annual Super Bowl party hosted by Leigh Steinberg.
“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful, not just for me, but for the work the National Urban League is doing nationwide. It reaffirms that advocacy and social justice have a place at the biggest events in sports,” Morial expresses.
Through these events, Marc Morial’s leadership underscores the vital role that sports, advocacy, and empowerment play in shaping a more inclusive and just society.
His presence at Super Bowl LIX reinforces the message that the Super Bowl is not just a game, but a platform for lasting change.
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