Prof. Mark Naison of Fordham University: “When we started the Bronx African American History Project in the Spring of 2003, one of its most enthusiastic supporters was a young man named Morgan Powell who was a professional gardener and had a passionate feeling about Bronx communities and the people who lived in them. Not only did he feel that the contributions of Black people in the Bronx had been neglected, he was committed to making the great network of waterways that ran through and surrounded the Bronx more accessible to its residents. Morgan not only helped us recruit interviews for our project, he began doing pioneering research on his own on the history of the Bronx River and its impact on adjoining communities, particularly residents of color. His research took him back into colonial times and before long, Morgan had actually developed a series of walking tours that had the twin purpose of teaching people about this history and turning them into advocates for conservation of waterways and green spaces. His tours and lectures became among the most sought after events publicizing Black History in the Bronx. But what was so amazing is how he did this incredible research without grants, and offered his tours free of charge. It is hard to think of another person who gave so much to our communities with such brilliance and generosity of spirit. Not only that, but Morgan donated all of his research materials to the Bronx African American History Project so future generations of scholars, as well as current researchers would have access to them. What he did for our project, and for the people of the Bronx is wonderful, awe-inspiring and quite frankly history making.∼Morgan Powell, 1973-2014

The crusading activist of Bronx history, culture and landscapes, was found dead in Brooklyn.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10/20/death-of-bronx-historian-morgan-powell-remains-a-mystery/

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/noted-bronx-historian-activist-dies-article-1.1970579

https://news.fordham.edu/politics-and-society/bronx-black-history-morgan-powell-the-late-historian-continues-to-inspire/

http://www.welcome2thebronx.com/wordpress/2015/05/08/the-late-morgan-powell-finally-to-rest-in-peace-at-his-beloved-woodlawn-cemetery/