7: Marc Morial on Growing Up in Segregated New Orleans and Fighting for Change

In this episode of Who’s Your Ma Honey?, Teri Williams and Suzan McDowell sit down with Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, to unpack identity, expectation, and the pressure of navigating spaces that challenge who you are. Marc shares what it was like growing up in environments where he was often one of the only Black students, facing moments where his presence was questioned and his potential underestimated. From early experiences of being doubted to stepping into leadership, his journey reveals how external perception can shape identity if you let it. Tune in as they explore what it means to carry expectation, define your own path, and build power in spaces.  KEY POINTS:  Walking into spaces where you’re questioned Growing up as one of the only Black students Early experiences of being doubted and underestimated The pressure to prove you belong How identity is shaped by environment Choosing your own path despite expectations Leadership and redefining belonging Turning pressure into purpose Building power in spaces not built for you QUOTES: “I was born in segregation… in a segregated hospital in a segregated city.” – Marc Morial “It fueled my ambition to fight for a more just society.”  – Marc Morial “The more someone told me I couldn’t… the more determined I became.”  – Marc Morial “No matter where you begin in life, the question is how far you go.”  – Marc Morial Marc Morial  Website | nul.org/our-team  Instagram | @marcmorial Explore more from OneUnited Bank: 🏦 Learn more: oneunited.com 💡 Build smarter with WiseOne: oneunited.com/wiseone 💳 Get the Card: oneunited.com/apply Who's Your Ma' Honey?  is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at epyc.co)