Morris Joseph Edwards Jr., affectionately known as “Junie,” is the third generation of Morris men and the second-oldest child of Morris and Rosena Edwards. From the start, his life has been marked by independence, resilience, and a pioneering spirit.

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Morris was christened at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Prospect Avenue in the Bronx, NYC. He attended P.S. 54 Elementary School and JHS 136, both in the Bronx, and later graduated from Haaren High School in Manhattan. Amongst his siblings, Morris was the first to leave home, setting the tone as a trailblazer in his family.

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In October 1966, Morris joined the U.S. Navy at the height of the Vietnam War. Although his unit was not deployed to Vietnam, he served honorably aboard a submarine, facing the unique challenges of life at sea as an African-American sailor. He returned home in October 1968, his service marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of perseverance and exploration.

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After his military service, Morris became a first-generation college graduate, earning his bachelor’s degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He remained in Ohio to pursue graduate studies at Wright State University, where he wrote his first thesis while enduring a devastating tornado. His academic journey continued at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and later in medical school in Tampico, Mexico. Although these experiences were emotionally challenging, they exemplified his courage in pursuing higher education despite adversity.

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Ultimately, Morris built a stable and impactful career with the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for over 20 years before retiring. His dedication and work ethic made him a role model for his siblings, nieces, and nephews, demonstrating that education and perseverance can open doors to endless possibilities.

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Morris has traveled the world — from patrolling the seas with the Navy to cruising the islands of Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. He took a legendary disco train ride to Canada and journeyed across the U.S. to the Grand Canyon by Greyhound bus. His travels also include destinations like San Francisco, various European countries, and South Africa.

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A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, Morris Joseph Edwards Jr. is, in every sense, a citizen of the world. To this day, he embodies the belief that “the world is his classroom.” We stand on the broad shoulders of a humble man whose legacy is one of courage, adventure, and inspiration.