Norman C. Francis, civil rights champion, dies at 94

Norman C

Norman C. Francis, a civil rights pioneer and champion of education who played a pivotal role in helping rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, died Wednesday. He was 94.

Community members, activists and leaders across Louisiana celebrated the life and accomplishments of Francis.

"The nation is better and richer for his having lived among us,” said Reynold Verret, the president of Xavier University, which confirmed Francis' death Wednesday in a statement.

Francis took a high-profile role in the state’s response to Katrina, heading the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which was tasked with overseeing the multi-billion-dollar rebuilding effort.

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said that after Katrina, Francis “stood in the breach.” Landrieu, who served as lieutenant governor when Katrina decimated New Orleans in 2005, said he often turned to Francis for advice and counsel — including in “his toughest moments.”