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.

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 participated in a demonstration that would desegregate the Illinois Central train terminal in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Under her leadership, three young students, Adrian Beard (16 year old student attending Immaculate Conception Catholic School), Wilma Jones (14 year old student attending Higgins … Read MoreVera Pigee (1924-2007)

Beulah Mae Donald (1919-1988)

Beulah Mae (Gregory) Donald is best known for filing a civil lawsuit against the United Klans of America after Donald’s youngest child Michael Donald was found hanging from a tree in Mobile, Alabama on March 21, 1981. Henry Hays (26 years old at the time) … Read MoreBeulah Mae Donald (1919-1988)