The Urban League of Greater New Orleans reflects on the life of
Justice Revius O.Ortique, Jr.

"On behalf of the board of directors of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, we celebrate the life of Justice Revius Ortique as one that is unrivaled in its leadership, integrity, effectiveness and enduring commitment to all that is just and good for every New Orleanian.  As the Urban League celebrates its 70th year of leadership in the greater New Orleans area, every Urban Leaguer is reminded that we stand on the sturdy and reliable shoulders of one of the country's most extraordinary examples of excellence and humanity,” said Flozell Daniels, Jr., Chairman of the Board, Urban League of Greater New Orleans.

In addition to Justice Ortique’s groundbreaking work as chief negotiator for desegregating public spaces in New Orleans, Justice Ortique is known for his work in championing workplace rights and fighting against job discrimination.  His work in major civil rights cases such as Lewis vs. Celotex, Crown-Zellarbach, Kaiser Aluminum and Vogler vs. McCarty were landmark cases where Ortique fought for workers seeking non-discriminatory employment and equal pay.

Testimony to Justice Ortique’s service and leadership is manifest by his election as the First African American to the Highest Court of the State of Louisiana, the expansion of the Louis Armstrong International Airport, the integration of the John McDonogh Celebration and by the numerous honors and awards bestowed by institutions of higher learning and a truly diverse list of agencies and organizations.

Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court (retired), former Chairman of the New Orleans Aviation Board, judicial and constitutional consultant to an array of nation-states, progenitor to bar associations and the U. S. Legal Services Corporation, leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, appointee to national boards and commissions by five (5)  Presidents of the USA (including appointment as Alternate Representative to the United Nations), educator, lecturer, Justice Ortique has personified the universal values of effective service and leadership.

In 1950, Mr. Ortique was cited by the National Urban League as “An Outstanding Young Man” (one of ten nationally) and it was not suprising that he began his community service with the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, serving 5 terms as its Board President and Chairman.  This was during a time when negroes refused to serve as leaders of their local Urban League or NAACP, in the deep south, for fear of economic reprisals.  In 1978, the Whitney M. Young Memorial Award was bestowed upon Judge Ortique. Ortique was honored again in 2004 at the Urban League’s 25th Anniversary Golden Gala.  Judge Ortique has been elected a delegate to several National Urban League Annual Conventions, the latest in 1983.

“Justice Ortique reminded us constantly of the great promise this country has made of equality, and that it has not been fulfilled. Ortique was a Patriarch of the Urban League and we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing, said Nolan V. Rollins, President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans.”

Once declared “A Nation’s Conscience” for his dedication to the cause of World Peace and equal justice, Justice Ortique will be remembered by all for his determination and diligence in the fight for equality.

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