SUNO Notable Alumni

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a historically Black university with a rich legacy of fostering academic excellence and community leadership since its founding in 1956. As part of the Southern University System, SUNO has produced a diverse array of alumni who have made significant contributions across politics, education, business, and the arts, shaping both local and national landscapes with their dedication to social justice and innovation.

Notable Alumni:

• Norman C. Francis - Longtime president of Xavier University, advocate for HBCU education and civil rights.
• Revius O. Ortique Jr. - Pioneering civil rights attorney and first African American Louisiana Supreme Court justice.
• Jerome Smith - Civil rights activist and Freedom Rider, instrumental in desegregation efforts.
• Dorothy Mae Taylor - First African American woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives.
• Ernest N. Morial - First African American mayor of New Orleans, champion of urban development.
• Sidney Barthelemy - Former mayor of New Orleans, focused on economic growth and community reform.
• Terry Landry - Louisiana State Representative, advocate for criminal justice reform and education.
• Sharon Weston Broome - Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, leader in public policy and equity.
• Arthur A. Morrell - Orleans Parish Clerk of Criminal Court, dedicated to legal transparency.
• Cynthia Hedge-Morrell - Former New Orleans City Council member, focused on community development.
• Edwin Lombard - Judge on the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, legal scholar.
• Reginald Johnson - Business leader and entrepreneur, advocate for economic empowerment in New Orleans.

Famous People Who Attended Southern University - New Orleans:

• Randy Jackson - Renowned music producer and former American Idol judge.
• Branford Marsalis - Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist and composer.
• Wynton Marsalis - Pulitzer Prize-winning trumpeter and cultural ambassador for jazz.
• Ellis Marsalis Jr. - Legendary jazz pianist and educator.
• Avery Johnson - Former NBA player and coach, known for championship leadership.

The impact of SUNO alumni resonates deeply within New Orleans and beyond, with many serving as trailblazers in civil rights, governance, and cultural expression. Their contributions have not only elevated the university’s reputation but also inspired future generations to pursue excellence and advocacy. While specific alumni data may be limited, further details on notable figures can often be found through trusted sources like the university’s official website or HBCU archives, such as SUNO’s official site.