Sonya Morris, Author at

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.

Jena Six (2006)

The case of the Jena Six exposed racial injustice and inequality following an incident involving six male African American teenagers. The arrest of the students, all enrolled at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana, ignited a national movement to address longstanding injustices in what has … Read MoreJena Six (2006)

Jonathan L. Jackson (1966 – )

Jonathan Luther Jackson is a United States congressman representing Illinois’ 1st Congressional District, elected in November 2022 and taking office in January 2023. Jackson is an advocate for civil rights, a former professor of business studies at Chicago State University, and a fervent social justice … Read MoreJonathan L. Jackson (1966 – )

Diana E. Bajoie (1948– )

Diana Bajoie is known as a pioneer of African American politics in the state of Louisiana. She is a former member of the Louisiana legislature and the first African American woman elected to serve in the Louisiana state senate. She is also the first woman … Read MoreDiana E. Bajoie (1948– )

Troy Anthony Carter (1963 – )

Troy Anthony Carter is a United States Congressman representing Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District since May of 2021. He is the Second Vice-Chair in the Congressional Black Caucus, and prominently known as the first African American elected to serve District 102 in the Louisiana House of … Read MoreTroy Anthony Carter (1963 – )

Dr. Percy A. Pierre

Dr. Percy Anthony Pierre is an accomplished pioneer in electrical engineering and trailblazer known for his academic and professional accomplishments throughout the nation including a university presidency. Born in Welcome, Louisiana, on January 3, 1939 to Rosa Villavaso Pierre and Percy John Pierre who were … Read MoreDr. Percy A. Pierre

Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson

Bernette Joshua Johnson is a retired Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. She is the first African American woman to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court and the second female to hold the position of Chief Justice. Born in Lemannville, Louisiana on June 17, … Read MoreJustice Bernette Joshua Johnson

Theresa M. Claiborne (1959- )

Captain Theresa Mae Claiborne was the first African American woman to become a U.S. Air Force pilot. Capt. Claiborne referenced the historic Tuskegee Airmen for paving her way to becoming the first Black woman pilot in the Air Force. Theresa Mae Claiborne was born May … Read MoreTheresa M. Claiborne (1959- )

E.E. Ward Moving and Storage (1881- )

E.E. Ward Moving and Storage, recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce as the oldest continuously operating Black-owned business in the United States, was founded in 1881 by William Ward and his father, John T. Ward. The company’s beginning included two helpers, a team of … Read MoreE.E. Ward Moving and Storage (1881- )

Elise Madison Lewis (?- )

Dr. Elise Lewis, is an author and a study director who specializes in Reproductive and Neurobehavioral Toxicology at Charles River’s Laboratories. Details of her birth, childhood, and education are currently unknown. The main Charles River Laboratory is a facility that overlooks the Charles River in … Read MoreElise Madison Lewis (?- )

Daniel McCree (1800?- ?)

Born in Chicago, Illinois in the early 1800s Daniel McCree is best known for patenting of the portable fire escape ladder. Very little is known about his childhood or personal life or when and where he died. On May 2, 1890, McCree filed Patent No. … Read MoreDaniel McCree (1800?- ?)