Sonya Morris, Author at

Sonya Morris

Independent Historian

S.M. Morris is an independent writer and poet with a performing artist background. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University and Master of Science from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. S.M. Morris has participated in several stage plays including Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963 (America Theatre Project of New Orleans – Ed Bishop), Dryades Street Diva (American Theatre Project of New Orleans – Ed Bishop), and V-Day Monologues at Tulane University. Through her relationship with her Grandmother and mentors she understands the value of community engagement and the importance of history.

LeVert (1983-2006)

LeVert was a popular R&B group composed of Marc Gordon (1964-2010), Gerald Levert (1966-2006) and Sean Levert (1968-2008). Sean and Gerald were sons of Eddie LeVert, the popular lead singer and founder of the R&B group The O’Jays. Influenced by their father’s illustrious career in … Read MoreLeVert (1983-2006)

Barbara Mason (1947- )

Barbara “Lady Love” Mason is a popular singer/songwriter and one of the true pioneers of Philly Soul, as she entered the music scene as a teenager. Mason was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 9, 1947, to a homemaker mother and a father who worked … Read MoreBarbara Mason (1947- )

Linda Jones (1944-1972)

Linda Jones was a popular R&B and soul singer, with a gospel-influenced style because of her family background. Her popularity attracted many fans although her musical career was short due to health issues. Jones was born in Newark, New Jersey, on December 14, 1944. At … Read MoreLinda Jones (1944-1972)

Thomas LaVeist (1961- )

Dr. Thomas LaVeist is a lead researcher in studies about the racial disparities that influence or impact an individual’s health outcome at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine where he is also its first African American dean. Dr. LaVeist has contributed more … Read MoreThomas LaVeist (1961- )

Dee Dee Sharp (1945- )

Dee Sharp, is a popular American R&B singer, known for “Mashed Potatoes Time,” a number one hit in 1962. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 9, 1945, as Dione LaRue. LaRue has a musical background as a lead singer of group of gospel-singing … Read MoreDee Dee Sharp (1945- )

Earlene Dennis Brown (1935-1983)

Earlene Dennis Brown, a three-time Olympian, was the first African American woman to win a medal in the shot put. Throughout her life Brown excelled in a variety of sports, gaining attention, recognition, and honors. She is the only shot-putter to compete in three consecutive … Read MoreEarlene Dennis Brown (1935-1983)

Alberta Christine Williams King (1904-1974)

Alberta Christine (Williams) King, a retired organist at Ebenezer Baptist Church and a choir director, wore many hats in her family and community, as she also was the wife of Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., mother of Alfred Daniel Williams King I (1930), Willie Christine … Read MoreAlberta Christine Williams King (1904-1974)

Brenda E. Robinson (1956- )

Lt. Commander Brenda Evette Robinson, the first African American female pilot in the United States Navy, understood at an early age the sky’s the limit. In 1961 when she was in Kindergarten, her teacher sent home a note that expressed concern about “Brenda’s desire to … Read MoreBrenda E. Robinson (1956- )

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (1864- )

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church established 1864 was the first African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E. church) in the state of Mississippi. It was also the site for T.W. Stringer Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for the State of Mississippi headquartered in Vicksburg and founded by Rev. T.W. … Read MoreBethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (1864- )

Vera Pigee (1924-2007)

Dr. Vera Mae (Berry) Pigee was a significant civil rights organizer and activist in the Mississippi Delta. She a co-founder of the Council of Federated Organizations and participated in a demonstration that ultimately desegregated the Greyhound bus terminal in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Vera Mae Berry was … Read MoreVera Pigee (1924-2007)