The Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers from Fort Worth, Texas

The Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers from Fort Worth, Texas

Curated by Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. | Featuring Artwork by Miss Torie Monroe Hunter

This narrative honors the enduring legacies of three extraordinary Black women from Fort Worth, Texas—Mary Keys Gipson, Gladys Lee, and Francine Reese Morrison—each a trailblazer in their own right. Their stories of triumph and resilience stand as testaments to the power of faith, perseverance, and purpose in breaking barriers and uplifting communities.

Mary Keys “Mollie” Gipson (ca. 1854–1953): A Nurse Ahead of Her Time

Born into slavery in Carrollton, Mississippi, Mary Keys Gipson became the first certified African American nurse in the South. With natural caregiving skills recognized even in her youth, Gipson pursued a nursing certificate from the Chautauqua School of Nursing in Jamestown, New York, graduating in 1907. She returned to Fort Worth, where she served as a midwife and surgical assistant to doctors of all races. A founding member of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, Gipson championed the desegregation of the nursing profession. Her work ensured the establishment of higher professional standards and equitable licensing requirements, paving the way for future generations of Black nurses. Her life’s impact lives on through scholarships and commemorations, including the Mary Keys Gibson Scholarship for nurse midwives of color.

Gladys Lee: Building Bridges on the Golf Course

Known affectionately as “Coach Lee,” Gladys Lee is a transformative figure in the world of golf and beyond. As a coach and mentor, she opened doors for young girls, particularly Black girls, through the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program. Lee’s impact extends beyond the fairway, instilling confidence, discipline, and resilience in her students. She proved that representation matters, mentoring young golfers like Kennedi Lee, who carry her lessons of perseverance into competitions that often lack diversity. Gladys Lee’s work has built a bridge for the next generation of golfers to thrive in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented.

Francine Reese Morrison (1935–2016): God’s Ambassador of Song

Francine Reese Morrison, a gospel singer, pastor, and community leader, broke racial barriers in music and ministry. Raised in Paris, Texas, and later Fort Worth, she directed choirs at the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church before becoming the first Black woman in the Southwest to host her own gospel radio show. Morrison sang for civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and her music transcended racial divides, making her the first Black soloist at a Texas Democratic convention and a Texas governor’s inauguration. Morrison’s international tours, which included performances in Europe, Israel, and the Soviet Union, earned her recognition as Fort Worth’s top female Newsmaker of the Year in 1969. In addition to her music, she founded an interracial church and contributed extensively to Fort Worth’s civic and philanthropic life, cementing her legacy as a transformative leader in both faith and community service.

About Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

A visionary historian, civil rights leader, and curator of under-told Black history, Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., brings a lifetime of advocacy and ministry to his work in Fort Worth and beyond. As the President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas and pastor of the New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Tatum has spent over four decades championing social justice, educational equity, and economic empowerment. He has played pivotal roles in initiatives such as the Texas 6888th Project, honoring the first all-Black women’s battalion in WWII, and Fighting Black in Texas: An Anthology of Black Texans Who Resisted Racial Injustice from 1868 to Present.

Pastor Tatum’s innovative approach to community revitalization is exemplified through projects like the Farm Fort Worth initiative, which addresses food insecurity in Fort Worth’s underserved 76104 ZIP code. His specialty coffee venture, Kyev Tatum and the Inner City Coffee Exchange, demonstrates his commitment to fostering inner-city economic growth. A graduate of Tarleton State University, where he served as a student assistant to President Barry B. Thompson, Pastor Tatum continues to leverage his experiences in politics, ministry, and advocacy to amplify the voices of those often unheard.

Miss Torie Monroe Hunter: The Artist

This project features artwork by 11-year-old child prodigy Miss Torie Monroe Hunter, whose vibrant creations reflect her vision of a better, more joyful world. The daughter of Army Veteran Alexandria Christine Smith Tatum and the granddaughter of Kyev and Tonya Tatum, Miss Torie represents the next generation of Black excellence. With no formal art training, she has already captivated audiences with her talent and was recently invited to participate in the 12th Annual Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum Juried Art Show.

The Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers from Fort Worth, Texas celebrates the enduring legacies of these women, ensuring their stories inspire generations to come. Through their courage, creativity, and commitment, they have left indelible marks on the city of Fort Worth and the world at large.

Contact Pastor Kyev Tatum at 817-966-7625, kptatum1@gmail.com to join the Trilogy of Her Story project.