Meet Morgan Norris | Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Norris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think the most important factor behind the success of my brand is a dual concept. For starters, I don’t have one! By saying I don’t have one, I am referring to the unnecessary urge everyone has to create a “brand.” I am not afraid of basing my career off of myself rather than my craft. I am Morgan the journalist who represented Hampton University at the White House, Morgan the secretary with the Freddye T. Davy Honors College, Morgan the editor with of my business Mo’ Visions with Mo, Morgan the writer who released an article under Mo’ Talks with Mo, Morgan the soror who champions sisterhood and service, and more all at once. Why constrict yourself to a brand when you can just be you? This brings me to the other side of the reason behind my success: I never changed my priorities or values. I will always be Morgan Norris. I’ve panicked about receiving anything less than an A-, kept God first and family second, and stayed curious ever since I was a little girl.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in Metro Atlanta with a family of athletes. Unexpectedly, I was more interested in doing pirouettes on the softball field instead of playing the game. I was enrolled in the performing arts at an early age, despite suffering from fatal illnesses throughout my childhood. My 4.0 grade point average was always a top priority since the 1st grade, and it wasn’t because I was the principal’s daughter. Plot twist! After some movie-like bullying and life lessons regarding the journey of living up to this label in school, it was time to pick a college to attend. My mother, also my principal, attended Hampton University, Quintessence I Class of 1992. As you can imagine, I avoided my home by the sea despite loving it since the start due to this very fact. I also knew I loved the art of storytelling, but I did not know what career path encapsulated all my passions. I found out about the world of journalism and the reputable Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. I was officially sold. There was no point in denying my destiny to be a Quintessence XII legacy. My childhood birthed an unbeatable skill that proved more than helpful at HU so far: the love to learn. Although I have a knack for telling stories, reporting, writing articles, and cinematography, I had to learn how to do all of these things. Nothing came easy to me. Passion won’t be enough if you can’t work accordingly. Rather than a prodigy, I would call myself a jack of all trades. I am an aesthete: a journalist, a reporter, a writer, a director, a cinematographer, an editor, a storyteller, a lover of music, a dancer, an actress, a visionary, and a student. Everything I’ve ever said I wanted to achieve at Hampton, I conquered, no matter how huge the feat. From begging the executive producers of Hampton University’s news broadcast to hire me anywhere they want as a freshman to earning the trust of Fox 5 Atlanta employees by running Good Day Atlanta shows, I couldn’t help but go above and beyond. I’m most proud of earning opportunities simply because I remained true to myself and my work ethic. For example, I was chosen out of all the journalism majors in my department to attend the White House on behalf of Hampton University to speak with Vice President Kamala Harris and Keisha Lance-Bottoms. There was no application for the position. My dean chose me because of my grades, my impact within my field, and the positive rapport I had on campus. How did it happen? It happened by being Morgan Norris, seeking improvement, and being hungry to learn. Learning can be hard. It can be boring or make you feel dumb. You can mess up along the way and embarrass yourself in front of those whose opinions you believe matter most, but knowledge is indispensable. My philosophy is to improve. I’m never too good to get better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s ironic. One of my good friends (Hi Kiana!) is coming to Atlanta later this week. There are a couple of places I suggested she visit. We would start our Monday at the Trap Museum, truly an Atlanta staple. I would take her to 5 Church in Midtown, a great American cuisine spot with dope graffiti and a good view of Colony Square. Our Tuesday would be dedicated to the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Zoo (cheesy I know, but it’s a must). Wednesday can be a Six Flags day! It’s not too crowded on a weekday. On Thursday, we can hike Stone Mountain for sunrise. Then we can have a picnic at Piedmont Park. or maybe Sweetwater Creek. We can also walk Krog Street at night and get some tacos from Bell Street Burritos and Jeni’s ice cream in the tunnel. Friday can be dedicated to Ponce City Market and The Beltline. We can tour the rooftops and get one of those popsicles they sell all the time. We can go to Cascade at night with our skates! Saturday can be a retail day! We should go to Atlantic Station and Little Five Points. There’s a great vinyl store, Criminal Records, and a body oil shop. Arden’s Garden is in Little Five Points as well. Rag-o-Rama has the best thrifts, even though they’re a little overpriced to be a thrift store. Every Saturday Atlantic Station has a Creator’s Market. I’ll take her to some of the best thrift stores in the country, too. Georgia has great Korean food. We could stop at a good Korean spot on our way back. Sunday needs to be food, food, food. We need Nana’s Chicken and Waffles in the morning, Fellini’s Pizza for lunch, and Mary Mac’s (I think they shut down, though) for dinner. I wanted to fit some libraries, movie theatres, k-pop stores, cafes, and more. We’re out of time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my friend and colleague, Bella May, for shouting me out to Voyage Atlanta! That’s my girl. From journalist to a journalist, I see us being friends for a lifetime.

Shoutout to my mother, Carolyn Odom. I always said I wanted to make you proud. You’ve sacrificed so much. I hope you see the fruit of your efforts.

Shoutout to my family: my baby sister, my uncle, my older siblings, my dad, and my grandmother who is watching me from above.

Shoutout to the real HU, Hampton University! Quintessence Legacy speaking!

Shoutout to The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. The best department that’s full of talented Scrippas!

Shoutout to The Emma Bowen Foundation. All success I’ve had as a journalist is an ode to your foundation and the late Emma Bowen.

WHOV TV & Radio, shoutout to you! You made me the journalist I am today.

Huge shoutout to True Partnership Christian Academy, my roots. Everywhere I go, I take you with me. Best School On Earth.

Website: https://linktr.ee/morganolivianorris

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo.media._/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-norris-23992921b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@motalkswithmo3291/videos

Other: https://hamptonscript.com/2023/02/27/vice-president-kamala-harris-gives-a-message-to-hbcu-students-we-are-requiring-you-to-lead/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kplQad2_Y8 https://www.motalkswithmo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mo.visions.withmo/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxJ1Erm5v3A

Image Credits
Credit: Fox 5 Atlanta (only for the picture of me holding the mic and footage from my feature on TV) Credit: The White House (picture of me sitting and talking with the Vice President and our former mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms)