William Burrell Morgan diploma
The William Burrell Morgan Diploma is a precious artifact with profound historical significance, representing the dedication of a young man and the thriving community that supported him. Issued on May 31, 1939, this high school diploma marks William Burrell Morgan's successful completion of his studies at the Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII). Although the diploma itself is in poor condition, its legacy remains vibrant.
Morgan was born in Iowa but later moved to Christiansburg, where he attended Hill School before graduating from CII. Following his education, Morgan became a key figure in his community, running his family’s taxi service—a business that has endured for nearly a century. Together with his wife, Rae, and his family, he helped create a network of essential services along Depot Street, including a grocery store, gas station, barber shop, beauty parlor, and even lodging facilities. Known fondly as “Rae and Burrell’s,” the store was a beloved community hub, offering a safe and welcoming environment during the era of Jim Crow. As Morgan fondly recalled in a 1992 newspaper interview, "The store was a real meeting place—many people called it Rae and Burrell’s. I like to think it was known all around the world, since soldiers talked about it when they were around the world from here."
Beyond their thriving businesses, Morgan and his wife advocated tirelessly for equal educational opportunities and resources for African American children through their involvement in the County Wide League. Active members of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church, Morgan also served as a deacon, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and his community.
By sponsoring the preservation of the William Burrell Morgan Diploma, you help honor the memory of a family that was a beacon of resilience, support, and advocacy for Christiansburg’s African American community. It will fund the necessary conservation services such as rehydration and paper restoration to stabilize the diploma and prevent further deterioration. Join us in safeguarding this invaluable piece of history and in preserving Morgan’s legacy for future generations.
Adopt this artifact today and keep the spirit of community alive!
The William Burrell Morgan Diploma is a precious artifact with profound historical significance, representing the dedication of a young man and the thriving community that supported him. Issued on May 31, 1939, this high school diploma marks William Burrell Morgan's successful completion of his studies at the Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII). Although the diploma itself is in poor condition, its legacy remains vibrant.
Morgan was born in Iowa but later moved to Christiansburg, where he attended Hill School before graduating from CII. Following his education, Morgan became a key figure in his community, running his family’s taxi service—a business that has endured for nearly a century. Together with his wife, Rae, and his family, he helped create a network of essential services along Depot Street, including a grocery store, gas station, barber shop, beauty parlor, and even lodging facilities. Known fondly as “Rae and Burrell’s,” the store was a beloved community hub, offering a safe and welcoming environment during the era of Jim Crow. As Morgan fondly recalled in a 1992 newspaper interview, "The store was a real meeting place—many people called it Rae and Burrell’s. I like to think it was known all around the world, since soldiers talked about it when they were around the world from here."
Beyond their thriving businesses, Morgan and his wife advocated tirelessly for equal educational opportunities and resources for African American children through their involvement in the County Wide League. Active members of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church, Morgan also served as a deacon, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and his community.
By sponsoring the preservation of the William Burrell Morgan Diploma, you help honor the memory of a family that was a beacon of resilience, support, and advocacy for Christiansburg’s African American community. It will fund the necessary conservation services such as rehydration and paper restoration to stabilize the diploma and prevent further deterioration. Join us in safeguarding this invaluable piece of history and in preserving Morgan’s legacy for future generations.
Adopt this artifact today and keep the spirit of community alive!
The William Burrell Morgan Diploma is a precious artifact with profound historical significance, representing the dedication of a young man and the thriving community that supported him. Issued on May 31, 1939, this high school diploma marks William Burrell Morgan's successful completion of his studies at the Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII). Although the diploma itself is in poor condition, its legacy remains vibrant.
Morgan was born in Iowa but later moved to Christiansburg, where he attended Hill School before graduating from CII. Following his education, Morgan became a key figure in his community, running his family’s taxi service—a business that has endured for nearly a century. Together with his wife, Rae, and his family, he helped create a network of essential services along Depot Street, including a grocery store, gas station, barber shop, beauty parlor, and even lodging facilities. Known fondly as “Rae and Burrell’s,” the store was a beloved community hub, offering a safe and welcoming environment during the era of Jim Crow. As Morgan fondly recalled in a 1992 newspaper interview, "The store was a real meeting place—many people called it Rae and Burrell’s. I like to think it was known all around the world, since soldiers talked about it when they were around the world from here."
Beyond their thriving businesses, Morgan and his wife advocated tirelessly for equal educational opportunities and resources for African American children through their involvement in the County Wide League. Active members of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church, Morgan also served as a deacon, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and his community.
By sponsoring the preservation of the William Burrell Morgan Diploma, you help honor the memory of a family that was a beacon of resilience, support, and advocacy for Christiansburg’s African American community. It will fund the necessary conservation services such as rehydration and paper restoration to stabilize the diploma and prevent further deterioration. Join us in safeguarding this invaluable piece of history and in preserving Morgan’s legacy for future generations.
Adopt this artifact today and keep the spirit of community alive!