Testimonials

Sherrie Colbert Photo By Bill Schaefer
/Special To The Register

           William Morris presented his new book “In Defense of the Nation: Black Iowans at War” at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston, Iowa. What a fascinating presentation that sparked an engaging discussion with the audience.
          The visual presentation along with Mr. Morris’ vast knowledge and extensive research on Black Iowans in the military kept the audience engaged and was easy to follow. Mr. Morris discussed the service and sacrifice of Black Iowans who served in the United States military from the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War. He provided a detailed historical account of the contributions of Black Iowans for a span of over 150 years and the contributions made along with the acts of bravery by people who were barred from official military service.
         William’s unique approach of taking the audience through time to discuss the contributions and to honor his grandfather and father for their outstanding military service to our nation didn’t stop there. These outstanding men continued their service by becoming leaders in the Des Moines area and across the state of Iowa. Mr. Morris’ presentation kept the audience engaged; it was easy to follow and just outstanding. I appreciated the enthusiasm and passion Mr. Morris brought not only to the book but to his presentation. BRAVO! 
Sherrie Colbert, Director, Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa

                I was pleasantly surprised with the turnout at the presentation and lecture by William S. Morris, not only the number of people, but the cross section of people who were genuinely interested in the subject. From academics, military history buffs (like me) and teachers to veterans and the curious.
        There are many people that want a truthful, broader knowledge of the participation of Black Americans in our nation’s armed forces that goes beyond the cursory view provided by most texts and media historical accounts. The lecture gave everyone present a taste of what was in the book, which whets your appetite to learn more. Iowa played a much larger role in the progression and struggles of Black people in the military than I realized. Mr. Morris’ book goes into much detail on this subject, and is written in a clear, easy-to-read format that the average person can understand. The book comes from a different perspective than other texts I have read. Mr. Morris dives not only into the historical accounts, but also the political and legal aspects that are either treated lightly or are non-existent in other works.
        In all, I found the lecture and the book very worthwhile for anyone who wants a more
informed knowledge of the Black experience in the United States military.

Bill Burch, Vietnam Veteran and Military History Buff, Des Moines, Iowa 

William Morris has spoken on black history in addition to other social and historical events in our congregation on several occasions.  His expertise, knowledge, and wisdom about black history is enlightening as well as refreshing.
His ability to communicate to multiple generations and all backgrounds on this subject with humility and grace is also inspirational.
Lastly, his ability to apply this historical information into our current culture and context is needed in our world today. His is a much needed voice in our complex twenty-first century culture.

Rabbi John Ross
Messianic Rabbi
Congregation Beth Messiah

I have known William Morris for 26 years because we both worked for six years (for no pay or royalties) to create our chapters for Outside In: African-American History in Iowa, 1838-2000. He is intelligent, articulate and passionate about the service African-Americans have contributed to the defense of our nation AND its democracy. He has learned the facts of his subject from books, but his passion came from what he learned from his paternal grandfather, who earned a commission at The WWI Black Officers Camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa and served on the Western Front, and his father who served as a counterintelligence officer in the Pacific theatre in WW2. William also has a healthy sense of humor and an affable personality.  You’ll be glad you asked him to present his program.
Dr. Hal S. Chase, Ph.D.
Professor of History
(US and African-American)

William Morris’s presentation on African American history was both informative and enlightening. A noted lawyer and educator, he enlivens history with the contributions of the unsung and the stories of the underserved. His personal perspective complements well-documented research, providing insight to often forgotten individuals in American history. I look forward to a front seat at future lectures.

Attorney Phillip Miller