Oral History with Darnell "DJ" Morris (B'75)

Oral History with Darnell "DJ" Morris (B'75)

In this hour long oral history, alumnus Darnell “DJ” Morris (B’75) sat down and shared his story with Jenifer Yi (’22) and Johnnette Johnson (’20) at the University of Richmond’s Boatwright Memorial Library on June 28th, 2019. Darnell “DJ” Morris was one of the first black students to be admitted into the University’s School of Business. Morris recalls his educational journey starting with the integration of schools in the 70s, beginning college at Ferrum College, to his campus involvement and success in the Robins School of Business after transferring to the University of Richmond at the beginning of his junior year. Morris gives insight into how he handled difficulties with both students and professors and describes the reputation that the Robins School of Business had amongst students in the 70s.

Darnell J. Morris (DJ) was born and raised in Esmont, Virginia (rural area of Southern Albemarle County). He earned an Associate of Arts, Business Administration from Ferrum College (1973) a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (Accounting - 1975) and Master of Business Administration (1987) from the University of Richmond.  He earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 1979.

He is the second (oldest son) of eleven children. His parents and grandparents taught him to follow the teachings of the Bible (KJV) and live the Christian Life.

DJ is retired with over forty (40) years of financial/accounting/auditing experience. His career included over four years with a Big 4 firm and nearly 25 years of financial management positions with a major communications company. He returned to his home town and is currently serving as Treasurer of his Church.

This oral history is available for academic purposes--including but not limited to research by students, faculty, and staff--by permission from the interviewee (Darnell "DJ" Morris). The interviewee maintains the copyright, and must be contacted via the Race & Racism Project (urraceproject@gmail.com) for permissions for use outside of academic purposes.

English

MorrisDarnell_Yi-Johnson_Public_20190628.mp3

Richmond (Va.)

Darnell "DJ" Morris

Boatwright Memorial Library Seminar Room 1
University of Richmond
261 Richmond Way, Richmond, VA 23173

01:44:37

June 28, 2019