BIOGRAPHY:  James Keefe Morrell

An African-American King in Western New York who deserves to be recognized is Mr. James Keefe Morrell. James was born and raised in the city of Buffalo.  He was raised by his late mother, Ms. Yvonne L. Morrell (whom was named Uncrowned Queen in 2007) along with his five sisters, Stephanie, Jacqueline, Carolyn, Angela, and Shareen.  Being raised in a home full of women he learned to be respectful, loving and due to his mother's passion for education, learned that education is the key to success.

James graduated from the University at Buffalo where he received a Bachelor of Arts (B A) degree in Design and a Masters of Urban Planning (MUP) degree.  James is currently the Superintendent of Route Planning with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA).  His responsibilities include planning Metro Bus Routes in Erie and Niagara County.  He is also responsible for providing Metro Bus Service for the Buffalo Board of Education and the development of Transportation programs for Welfare to Work (TANF) clients.

James is married to Fatima Morrell.  He is the father of four children, James Jr, Delorian, Khalil and Zhara and grandfather to Anya.  He is also a surrogate father to my entire family and me.  After the untimely death of Yvonne, he stepped in as leader of the family.

In our family James is lovingly called Uncle Keefe.  He is the one to call for any and everything.  He shows by example that an education, strong faith and community involvement positively affects your life and those around you.  Uncle Keefe volunteers his time on a number of committees and broads throughout the city of Buffalo.   In 2005 he was the Chairman of the Taste of Buffalo, responsible for the overall planning, operation and implementation of the 2005 Taste of Buffalo.  Uncle Keefe has been a volunteer with the Taste of Buffalo for over 12 years.  I along with several of my older cousins and both my uncles have volunteered at the Taste of Buffalo.

His commitment to his community is never-ending.  In 2007 he became a first time T-ball Coach for National Inner Cities Youth Opportunity Organization (N.I.C.Y.O.).  His team the Homestead Grays represented past Negro National League players.  With no previous coaching experience, he gathered information and passed it on to his parent-volunteers and players.  With support, encouragement, and patience the team won its series his first time coaching.  Uncle Keefe also holds other board positions on the City of Buffalo Planning Board.  As a Planning Board member, he is responsible for evaluating proposed developments within the City of Buffalo under the citywide Site Plan Review process.

Uncle Keefe maintains his faith attending St. Martin DePorres R.C. Church where he is also the Boy Scout Leader of Troop #139.  Uncle Keefe is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor within the School of Architecture & Planning at the University at Buffalo, teaching a graduate level course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).  Uncle Keefe is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc

Uncle Keefe and the life he leads demonstrate that you do not have to become a product of your environment of give in to the pit falls and obstacles that life throws at you.  As a young African-American male it is sometime difficult to find strong, positive, inspiring role-model, that is why I am blessed to have him in my life and it's an honor to share him.  All these factors demonstrate his ability to be crowned King.

3rd Place – Grades 7-9
De-jon T. Brice
Grade 8, Frank A. Sedita Academy