Graham-Morris Family Welcome to the Graham-Morris Family Website!
A Newsletter for the Extended Families of Lorenz Graham and Ruth Morris-Graham
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Updates from Ruth Graham Siegrist - Febraury 5, 2005
IN MEMORIUM - DAVID GRAHAM DU BOIS
With regret we inform you that our cousin David Graham Du Bois passed away on Friday, Jan. 28 in Amherst, Massachusetts. David had been in failing health for some time. The cause of his death was organ failure. Odell Murry, who as close to him as family, is in charge of arranging David's affairs. The Graham-Morris family members remember with great delight the warm and happy fellowship we had with David at our August 1999 Family Reunion in Huntington Beach. David spoke many times of his pleasure in seeing his cousins and getting acquainted with the many members of the younger generations of our family while he was on the West Coast. David gave a stirring speech about his life journey at the final luncheon event on August 20, 1999. He talked about the quest of his mother, Shirley Graham Du Bois, of W. E. B. Du Bois, and his own efforts to help bring about peace and justice to peoples of the world. He will be missed.
OBITUARY
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Dan/My%20Documents/GMF/mar05.htm (1 of 12) [3/22/2005 10:23:03 PM] Graham-Morris Family David Graham Du Bois, 79, of Amherst, Massachusetts, retired visiting professor of Afro-American studies and journalism at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, died January 28 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness.
Born March 9, 1925, in Seattle, Washington, David grew up in African Methodist Episcopal church parsonages around the state of Indiana under the guidance of his maternal grandparents, the Rev. David A. Graham and Etta Bell Graham.
He attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music before serving as a military officer in the armed forces during World War II. Following the war, Du Bois graduated in 1950 from Hunter College with a degree in sociology.
In 1951, his mother, Shirley Graham, married African-American theorist and historian W.E.B. Du Bois and soon after he legally became David Graham Du Bois.
After graduate work at the New York School of Social Work at Columbia University, Du Bois earned an M.A. in history from New York University in 1956.
Following a year’s study in Chinese language at Peking University, Du Bois took up residence in Cairo, Egypt in 1960. He lectured in American literature at Cairo University and served as news editor of the English language daily, The Egyptian Gazette. Du Bois also was a reporter and features editor for the Middle East News and Features Service agency, an announcer and program writer for Radio Cairo’s shortwave English language transmissions to North America, and a public relations consultant to the government of Ghana under President Kwame Nkrumah.
In 1972, Du Bois returned to the U.S. where he lectured in African-American studies at the school of criminology at the University of California, Berkeley. From 1973-1975, he was editor-in-chief of The Black Panther, the weekly newspaper of the Black Panther Party published in Oakland, California.
In 1973, his novel “And Bid Him Sing,” was published by Rampart Press. The book was based on the experiences of African-Americans in Egypt in the period leading up to the 1967 Mideast war.
Du Bois returned to Egypt in 1977 and made Cairo his second home. In 1983, he was appointed a visiting professor of Afro-American studies and journalism at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he taught each spring semester until his retirement in 2001.
While at the University of Massachusetts, he worked closely with the W.E.B. Du Bois Library where his stepfather’s papers are archived, and for the restoration of the W.E.B. Du Bois Boyhood Homesite in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
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He was the founding president of the W.E.B. Du Bois Foundation, Inc., honoring his stepfather, a member of the management committee of the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture located in Accra, Ghana, and a member of the Council of the China-Du Bois Study Centre located in Beijing.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Graham Du Bois, and one brother. His surviving family resides in California.
Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2005, at the Murray D. Lincoln Campus Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.
Stephanie's New Job
Stephanie Jones has been appointed the new executive director of the National Urban League Institute for Opportunity and Equality (I.O.E.) in Washington , D.C. Good luck, Stephanie! Read the complete announcement here.
Andy's Move To Germany
Andy & Andrea Graham and daughter, Juliana, who is almost 3, plan to depart for Mainz, Germany on February 25th. They will establish residence there and hope that after getting settled they will be able to find employment using their backgrounds as teachers and interpreters in their new location. Andy says, "I regret not being able to see everyone before we leave. But, now that my brother and I both will be in Europe you all have double reason to come to Europe to visit.
Bon Voyage and God's blessings be with you, Andy and Andrea, as you enter this new venture.
Song of the Boat Chosen for International Children's Digital Library!
Advisors for the International Children's Digital Library have identified Lorenz Graham's Song of the Boat as a book that they feel should be included in a unique, free, web based library that highlights the best in children's literature from around the world. Song of the Boat will be in the collection representing the United States. The International Children's Digital Library is dedicated to showcasing the best in children's literature from around the world.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Dan/My%20Documents/GMF/mar05.htm (3 of 12) [3/22/2005 10:23:03 PM] Graham-Morris Family In order to achieve this goal, The ICDL is building relationships around the world that help identify quality books reflective of each country's outstanding children's literature both historic and contemporary. In each country, the ICDL identifies the appropriate organizations best suited to accomplish these tasks. The ICDL believes that an important collection is built with a strong selection process and relies on partnerships with national libraries, IBBY representatives and other Institutes for Children's Literature. It is hoped that through these collaborative relationships that the ICDL collection will continue to grow and reach its goal of 10,000 quality children's books in over 100 languages.
DAVID GRAHAM DU BOIS DONATES VOLUMES TO CAIRO UNIVERSITY
Cousin David Du Bois donated his library of some 900 volumes on African-American and African Life and Culture to Cairo University . The University is for the first time setting up an American Studies Department.
David explained the reason for his donation:
"The real significance of my donation of books to the newly created American Studies Department at Cairo University is the contents and quality of the majority of the volumes. Normally Cairo University will rely on U.S. publishers and educational bodies to supply it's library for the new Department. We are all aware of the extent to which these institutions have ignored, distorted and spread falsehoods about our role in the making of America . My collection of books in the main challenge this long-standing practice, and attempt to tell the truth. The decision of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture to publish an Arabic language edition of Du Bois' THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK on my initiative encouraged me to take this action."
SADIE NORRELL MEMORIAL SERVICE
Cousin Sadie Thomas Norrell died on Oct. 13 after several months of rapid decline in health. She had a form of leukemia and eventually developed cancer of the kidney and liver.
Her memorial service on Thursday, Oct. 21st was very moving. It was held in a banquet room at the beautiful Carson Community Center in the heart of Carson Civic Center , with tables complete with beautiful floral centerpieces. A Service of Celebration was held. There were programs, souvenir "sweets" wrapped and tied with ribbons, and music. The Eulogy was given by Father Tony Gonzales, pastor of St. Francis X. Cabrini Church. Edinboro recited two poems he wrote for Sadie. A video presentation of photos of Sadie from her childhood was shown. The sit-down luncheon followed.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Dan/My%20Documents/GMF/mar05.htm (4 of 12) [3/22/2005 10:23:03 PM] Graham-Morris Family Sadie was a beautiful woman--both inside and out--and she befriended many, many people throughout her life. There were many testimonials at the service from her colleagues, friends, and former students. Son Kevin and family and daughter Tanya and husband, along with many family members. Ed seems to be holding up well with lots of support from friends.
Please keep the family in prayer.
News from the Moores about their Brazil Mission
Richard Moore sent photos of Jocelyn and himself taken in Brazil on their last trip. One is a picture of "Jocelyn and three of the boys from the Casa Restauracao, “Restoration House,” a house for street boys in the inner-city of Brazil. Richard will be planning the annual Master’s Commission Missions Trip to Brazil , scheduled for April. One of the pastors Richard works with in Brazil , Pastor Manoel and his wife Katia, will be visiting the US in the spring. Joyce is looking forward to having them visit with her at her home. Pastor Manoel and Katia are favorites of all of us, as well as their daughters, Emmanuele and Gabriele."
He also sent a picture of Richard and the Moore ’s adopted daughter, Debora from Belo Horizonte, Brazil . She is planning to come to California to attend Master’s Commission at Harvest Church . She will taking Aravis’ room as Aravis moves out to attend college :)"
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MAGGIE MOYERS MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT
We have created Maggie's Memorial page on this site as a tribute to Maggie Moyers. Please take the time to read about the life of this very special lady. This tribute includes a poem Maggie wrote in a journal she kept in her last year.
Mike Moyers has set up an endowment in memory of Maggie with Heifer International. It's called the Margaret "Maggie" Moyers Endowment. Click here to visit Maggie's page at Heifer. This is a wonderful way to perpetuate Maggie's memory and to continue her good works. If any of the Graham-
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Dan/My%20Documents/GMF/mar05.htm (5 of 12) [3/22/2005 10:23:03 PM] Graham-Morris Family Morris family wish to contribute to Heifer International, you might consider directing your contributions to Maggie's endowment. See Maggie's Memorial page for details. To learn more about Heifer and its wonderful work, please visit Heifer.
Mary Ken Moyers-Bishop
Mike Moyers' mother, Mary Ken Moyers-Bishop is recovering from a hip replacement and is now at home in Yuba City, California.
VINTAGE FAMILY DVD'S AVAILABLE
Thanks to Tom & Libby, copies of Lorenz Graham's vintage family movies are available. The family movies date back to the 1930's in Hampton, VA (see baby Charlie riding his tricycle and the look-alikes Jean, Joyce & Ruth along with Lorenz doing a May Day dance). The film continues to the Claremont backyard with Nonnie, Pop Pop & grandchildren, also the Nathaniel Jones' home in Youngstown . If you did not get a DVD and wish to have one, please contact Ruth.
My Little House mate
My little puppy, Lilli Belle, whom I adopted June 15th, is an adorable and wonderful companion. Lilli is a Bichon Frise. They are known for their affection, mild temperament, and happy spirit. Lilli is now 10 months old, weighs 13 pounds, and is princess of the house! She is developing a wonderful personality: she is smart, loving, resourceful, and playful - but also with a mind of her own. On October 30 she received her certificate from puppy kindergarten, and she also received the Miss Congeniality award! Lilli is now completing additional training for Canine Good Citizen. The CGC certification is for becoming a therapy dog. Only dogs that are well-behaved, good- natured, and people-friendly can get this certification. Lilli is an excellent candidate because she is confident, and of course her looks are so appealing.
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Family News Briefs
I would like to bring to your attention two wonderful articles about my first cousin, Sondra Norrell-Thomas at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Sondra's parents were Faith Morris Norrell and Edinboro Norrell of Richmond , VA. Faith and Ruth Morris Graham were sisters.
Read "Sondra Norrell-Thomas is 1-AA Administrator of the Year”
Read "Sondra Norrell-Thomas: Spotlight on Top Athletics Director from Richmond" from the Richmond Free Press
CONGRATULATIONS to Jason and Jacobi Hunt on their wedding on August 24, 2004. Our best wishes to the happy couple!
Emily is now a sophomore to St. Benedict's College. By the way, she finished her freshman year on the Dean's List! Congratulations, Emily
Kenny & Corine are settling in their new home in the countryside in France. "We are really enjoying our new lifestyle over here and acclimating nicely to the slower and far less stressful daily rhythm of life." Kenny sent a slide show of about 75 pictures of scenes from France which we would like to display in the near future.
Erin Walker is studying pre-nursing at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, California. She is a busy young lady, also working part-time at the Deli department at Stater Bros. market in Corona .
Jeff Eberly is settled in the dorm at U.C. Irvine, where he is a freshman. He plans to major in English. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Dan/My%20Documents/GMF/mar05.htm (7 of 12) [3/22/2005 10:23:03 PM] Graham-Morris Family
Allison Eberly, a senior in Musical Theater at CSUF, performed on Sept. 10th in "One Hundred Years on Broadway," a fantastic musical by eight outstanding musical theater students. One of her excellent solos was "How are Things in Gloccamora" for which she got a resounding ovation.
While on Maui in May, I worked on an old manuscript of Ruth Morris Graham's, a children's book on the life of Maggie L. Walker. Cousin Faithe Mickens, a school librarian in Richmond, and I plan to collaborate on finishing it for publication; Faithe's husband is a great-grandson of Maggie Walker.
And speaking of the Mickens family, Johnny MIckens IV has written a wonderful paper about Lorenz Graham and his works. You can see it on the Student Projects section of the Graham Books site.
Graham Books News...
In May, I was interviewed by the Sacramento Observer. You can read the article here.
Gail Page, my neighbor and good friend, has been working closely with me as my volunteer publicist for the Graham books. We are currently trying to promote the Town series in middle & high schools nationwide. Gail is also responsible for setting up this new family website. A bunch of thanks to her!
Eighteen-year old Christopher Page, my webmaster for grahambooks.com, is settled at Berkeley as a member of the class of 2008. If you haven't visited the website recently, please do so -- lots of additions and changes, and more to come!
Do you have any family news for this site? Email me!
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Town Series Released!
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Song of the Boat
to be included in
The International
Children's Digital Library
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