Ricardo Morris
Ricardo is a native of Chattanooga and taught Theater, English and Dance for 8 years at Hixson High School. In 1994, Ric left teaching to attend Yale University where he earned a Masters in Fine Arts (MFA in Arts Administration). While attending Yale, Ric founded the Dwight/Edgewood Project which worked with disadvantaged youth through play writing. This program earned him the honor of being the first School of Drama student to become a "Yale Presidential Fellow".
Over the years, he has worked as Executive Director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham, Alabama; founded and directed the Green Street Arts Center in Middletown, Connecticut; and the Harris Arts Center in Calhoun, Georgia. He was the creator of Chattanooga's CultureFest, A Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, the International String Band Festival in Calhoun, Georgia and the Glenwood Jazz Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is currently the Group Sales & Special Events Manager at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Ric founded the Chattanooga Neighborhoods Arts Partnership to utilize the arts to improve the quality of life for ALL residents of Chattanooga one neighborhood at a time. The organization currently runs three major programs: Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts and Ideas, Arts-N-Parks and Black Artists Networking Directory (BAND)As an artist, Ric considers himself a dancer/actor/director and has appeared in several productions at the Chattanooga Theater Center including; playing the Lion in "The Wiz", "Hello Dolly", "A Chorus Line", and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". He has directed productions including "A Streetcar Named Desire", "Blues for an Alabama Sky", August Wilson’s "Fences" and James Baldwin's "The Amen Corner". His hobbies include cooking, gardening and home improvement.
Ric has dedicated his life to working in the arts and to providing art opportunities for those that would otherwise go without. "I truly believe that the arts improve the quality of life for all that participate. Regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status".
What did it mean to be recognized with the Footprint Award?
This was very unexpected. I was overjoyed to receive the award. For me, receiving this award meant that someone else felt what I was doing was important and relevant. Speaking out against injustices, helping those that are in need and spreading the power of the arts is not something I do for praise or recognition, but rather something I am compelled to do. For me this award is affirming and energizing.
Who inspires you? Why?
I am inspired by several things. First, I am inspired by my African ancestors, the creators of human kind. I am inspired by those Africans stolen and enslaved that made a life where there was no life for themselves and future generations. I am also inspired by those Africans in America that continued to rise from the dust despite the hundreds of years of horrendous atrocities and injustices. they were subjected to. I am inspired by my maternal grandparents James and Elsie Goddard who instilled in me a strong sense of service, self and ethics. Finally, I am inspired by 19 years of teachers who taught by example and who expected nothing less than excellence.
What inspires you to do your work?
Growing up I always felt different. We moved 17 times before I graduated from Howard High School in 1980. In the 7th grade my life was changed forever. I began working as part of the National Youth Core. I was asked to join a dance group being taught by Brenda Jones at the Alton Park recreation center; and I joined the marching band. I found my safe space away from the dysfunction and chaos that was my household. The arts filled what was missing in my life and my soul. My goal has always been to bring the arts to those who may otherwise not have the opportunity to know their joy and power.
What is one wish you have for Chattanooga?
My one wish for Chattanooga is that ALL residents can have the quality of life THEY want and deserve.