Mitch Landrieu

About the Author

Mitch Landrieu, a distinguished American statesman and author, served as the 61st Mayor of New Orleans from 2010 to 2018, where he championed economic recovery, cultural preservation, and social justice following Hurricane Katrina. Born in 1960 into a prominent Louisiana political family, Landrieu's career spans roles as state legislator, lieutenant governor, and key figure in national Democratic politics. His writing delves into the complexities of Southern identity, race relations, and historical reckoning, drawing from personal experience to foster dialogue on America's past. In his acclaimed memoir In the Shadow of Statues: A White Southerner Confronts History, Landrieu reflects on his decision to remove Confederate monuments from New Orleans, offering a candid exploration of white privilege, reconciliation, and the path toward a more equitable future. Through his prose, he bridges policy and personal narrative to inspire civic engagement across the nation.