The Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers of Fort Worth. Curated by Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church.

 



The Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers of Fort Worth. Curated by Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church.


From the golf course to the gospel stage to the publishing world, Black women in Fort Worth have shaped history through resilience, talent, and faith. The Trilogy of Her Story honors three remarkable pioneers whose legacies continue to inspire generations.


Hosted at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History from March 2025 to June 2025, this exhibition celebrates the lives of Gladys Lee, Mary Francine Reese Morrison, and Beatrice Pringle—women who shattered barriers in sports, music, and media. Their journeys exemplify perseverance, excellence, and the enduring power of faith.



Gladys Lee – The Golf Pioneer of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church


A trailblazer in the world of golf, Gladys Lee defied the odds in a sport long dominated by men. As a dedicated member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, her faith was her foundation as she navigated the challenges of segregation and discrimination.



Her skill and determination made her a standout golfer, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes. Beyond the fairway, she was a mentor, advocate, and role model for young girls aspiring to professional sports. She championed education, community development, and equality in athletics, ensuring that opportunities extended far beyond the golf course.


Her legacy lives on in the many Black female golfers who followed in her footsteps, proving that faith and perseverance can overcome even the most formidable barriers.



Mary Francine Reese Morrison – The Songbird of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church


With a voice that stirred souls, Mary Francine Reese Morrison was a gospel powerhouse who used music as her ministry. A devoted member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, she remained steadfast in her faith, refusing to perform in venues that conflicted with her spiritual beliefs.


Her powerful voice resonated in churches, concert halls, and community gatherings, spreading messages of hope and perseverance. She shared the stage with some of gospel’s greatest voices and, in the early 1970s, performed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., alongside folk legend Pete Seeger.



In the 1980s, she partnered with Evangelist Carol A. Tatum, the mother of Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., bringing the spirit of gospel music to audiences across Fort Worth and beyond. Later in life, she became a Doctor of Divinity and a licensed evangelical minister, continuing her service through both word and song.


Her voice may have been silenced, but her impact echoes through every note of gospel music sung today.



Beatrice Pringle – The Queen Publisher of Highland Park Missionary Baptist Church


A groundbreaking figure in media, Beatrice Pringle was the first Black female publisher of a major publishing company. A faithful member of Highland Park Missionary Baptist Church, she carried her faith into her work as the publisher of Sepia Magazine, one of the most influential Black publications of its time.


Under her leadership, Sepia became a beacon of truth, dignity, and Black excellence, ensuring that Black stories were told authentically and with pride. At a time when mainstream media often ignored or misrepresented Black life, she uplifted the voices and achievements of Black America.



Her work laid the foundation for future Black journalists, publishers, and media moguls, proving that representation in media is essential. As the fight for media diversity continues, her legacy remains a guiding light for truth and empowerment.


Her homegoing service was held at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, where her impact was honored and her story was celebrated.



Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. – A Modern-Day Drum Major for Justice


New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas


A civil rights leader, historian, and pastor, Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. has dedicated more than four decades to fighting for justice, equity, and the preservation of Black history in Texas. As President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas and Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, he continues the work of those who came before him—advocating for economic empowerment, educational access, and racial justice.


Born and raised in Fort Worth, Pastor Tatum’s journey began at Tarleton State University, where he served as student assistant to President Dr. Barry B. Thompson. He further honed his skills at the University of North Texas in Denton before taking a professional role at Texas State University in San Marcos, strengthening his expertise in public policy, program development, and community engagement.


His leadership has sparked transformative initiatives across Texas, including:

• The Texas 6888th Project – Honoring the all-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of WWII.

• Farm Fort Worth – Addressing food insecurity in Fort Worth’s 76104 ZIP code, the area with the lowest life expectancy in Texas.

• The Inner City Coffee Exchange – Creating economic opportunities in Black communities through specialty coffee.

• The MLK Hunger Bowl – A citywide effort to fight hunger in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to service.

• The Rube Foster Pitch, Hit & Run Competition – Encouraging youth engagement in baseball while honoring the “Father of Black Baseball.”


A passionate historian, Pastor Tatum has worked to unearth and preserve overlooked Black history through his writing and curation of significant historical projects, including:

• Fighting Black in Texas: An Anthology of Black Texans Who Resisted Racial Injustice from 1868 to Present

• We Were MINT To Be Here: The Shallie Bey Story

• Sepia Magazine’s Queen Publisher of the Prairie: The Beatrice Pringle Story

• The Songbird of the South: The Francine Reese Morrison Story


In 2024, he was nominated as a Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst, recognizing his innovative work in economic and social justice. Yet, for Pastor Tatum, the true reward lies in the impact he makes on his community every day.


As a husband, father, and grandfather, he draws strength from his faith and family. His guiding principle is found in Micah 6:8:


“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”


Through his leadership, advocacy, and unwavering faith, Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. is ensuring that the past is remembered, the present is transformed, and the future is just.

Honoring Their Legacies


The Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers of Fort Worth is more than an exhibition—it is a movement. It ensures that the contributions of Black women are recognized, celebrated, and preserved for generations to come.


Curated by Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., this powerful tribute to excellence, resilience, and faith will be on display at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History from March 2025 to June 2025.


May their stories inspire us all to dream bigger, fight back, and never stop breaking barriers.


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