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18th Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees
2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
July 23rd-24th, 2022
The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring and documenting
the lives of men and women who have made exemplary contributions to Western Heritage, past and present.
Albert “Al” and Essie Morris | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
Albert “Al” Morris was born on February 19, 1938, in Temple, Bell County, Texas. After growing up in Temple, Al served in the United States Air Force, after which, in the late fifties, he moved to Los Angeles to work as a guitarist. He played in the esteemed back-up band “The People” which opened for major headliners, including James Brown, the Coasters, the Motown luminaries, and more. He also played for the legendary Etta James for five years. Returning home to Texas in the late seventies, Al ran a photography business, capitalizing on an expertise developed in the service. And then Al met Essie, who would become his wife and, for forty years now, the other half of “Mr. and Mrs. Country Soul.”
Essie Pearl Robinson was born on June 14, 1935, in Forest City, Rutherford County, North Carolina, one of eleven children. Her father, the Rev. Milton Robinson, was a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, as well as a newspaper publisher and editor. In high school, Essie distinguished herself as an outstanding student and athlete, and was elected president of both student council and the senior class. Over the next four years, at Livingstone College, Essie majored in biology and played varsity basketball for the school’s undefeated team. Essie married her first husband, the late Chaplain W. L. McDaniel, and they had two children, Xavier Maurice McDaniel, and Alveta Willette (McDaniel) Jackson. In 1975, Essie moved to Temple, Texas, when her husband accepted a position there, and continued working in education, counseling, and school administration (she had by then earned an M.S. in Science Education from Fisk University). After her first marriage had ended, Essie met Al and in 1980 they started a newspaper together, The Cen-Tex Motion, featuring “Minority News & Views of Central Texas.”
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Chris Navarro | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Chris Navarro born January 23,1956 grew up one of five children of Mary and Herbert Navarro. His father was a 30-year military air force officer, a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Since he was 2 years old, Navarro wanted to be a cowboy. He got his first horse when he was 12 years old and joined 4H where he started showing and training western horses. At age 16, Navarro discovered rodeo and started riding broncs and bulls. Navarro says, “The roughest part of riding bulls is not that you’re going to get hurt, it is just when and how bad.” He tells people when he quit riding bulls, he was so poor he couldn't afford to pay attention! Navarro then went to work in the Wyoming oil fields. It was hard physical dirty work with long hours. It was not his dream job, but the pay was good.
Navarro was 23 years old, when he saw “Two Champs”, a bronze sculpture by Harry Jackson that changed his life. Looking at this sculpture, with its raw power and beauty, it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He wanted to have it, but the price tag of the sculpture was $35,000. Navarro thought I could never afford that! But I can make my own.” The next day he bought art supplies, went to the Public Library, and checked out all the books on sculpting. With books and supplies, Navarro started creating his first sculpture. He did not have much going for himself when he first started sculpting, no money or formal training in art. He knew what he lacked in talent and knowledge, he could make up for with effort and desire. “My first piece was a bull rider I created in 1980, called ‘Spinning and Winning.’ It won first place in an art show in Cody, and that’s when I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. He just knew deep inside that he was to follow his instincts. So, listening to his heart and trusting his gut, Navarro took a leap of faith. As Navarro states, “If you really want something bad enough you have to be willing to take a chance and put in the effort to make it happen.”
DeBoraha Akin-Townson | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
A cowgirl of distinction, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racer, DeBoraha Akin-Townson was the object of national attention in the early 1990’s when she became the first African American woman to qualify for a major rodeo finals-The International Finals Rodeo. However, shortly thereafter, she left the competitive circuit to devote her full attention to raising her family.
Born in Rockford, Illinois, the rodeo lifestyle or owning a horse was a mere fantasy until she became an adult. After being introduced to this new world, DeBoraha purchased several horses and underwent many years of training. It quickly became apparent that this would be no part-time hobby for DeBoraha. She was on a mission to become the best barrel racer that she could become.
In 1984, her rodeo career began and within four years success came on the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo circuit, where she was barrel racing champion for three consecutive years, as well as the All-Around Champion for 1989 and 1990. In 1989, Akin joined the International Professional Rodeo Association, where she immediately won the Western Region Barrel Racing Championship and finished second for Rookie of the Year honors. DeBoraha also finished the year ranked in the Top 20 in the world championship standings.
Although three of her children competed in rodeos throughout the junior and high school rodeo ranks, only her eldest son, Lee Akin made rodeo a full-time profession like his mother. All of her children began their horse careers as members of Ramona Rancheros 4-H program in Hemet, California, competing in regional and state horse shows and horse bowl competitions, while DeBoraha assisted with the horse project.
After her children left 4-H for Jr. and High School rodeo DeBoraha became active in District 8 High School Rodeo and was the Queen Pageant Director. In more recent years DeBoraha has volunteered with District 9 High School Rodeo as Secretary.
Samuel George Davis, Jr., known as someone who could do it all, sing, dance, play instruments, act, stand-up comedy, was born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, Manhattan, New York, the son of dancer Elvera (Sanchez) Davis and vaudeville star Sammy Davis, Sr. By the age of four, after learning to tap, Davis began his career in vaudeville with his father in the Will Mastin Trio which toured nationally. He made his film debut in the 1932 short “Rufus Jones For President”, showing off the tap-dancing skills taught by the legendary Bill “Bo Jangles” Robinson.
In 1944, during World War II, Davis was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18. He was frequently abused by white soldiers from the South and later recounted: "I must have had a knockdown, drag-out fight every two days." His nose was broken numerous times and permanently flattened. He was reassigned to the Army's Special Services branch, which put on performances for troops. Davis, who earned the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal, was honorably discharged. Davis, Jr. later said, "My talent was the weapon, the power, the way for me to fight. It was the one way I might hope to affect a man's thinking." Sammy Davis, Jr., appeared on numerous early television shows like The Rifleman, in Two Ounces of Tin”, where he showcased his fast and fancy gun spinning skills, as well as guest starring on several television and movie westerns showing off this skill. Davis was an enthusiastic shooter and gun owner. He participated in fast-draw competitions. Johnny Cash recalled that Davis was said to be capable of drawing and firing a Colt Single Action Army revolver in less than a quarter of a second.
Harry Belafonte | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Harry Belafonte, (Harold George Bellanfanti, Jr.), born March 1, 1927, in Harlem, in New York City, is an American singer, songwriter, activist, and actor. One of the most successful Jamaican American pop stars, as he popularized the Trinbagonian Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. His breakthrough album Calypso was the first million-selling LP by a single artist.
Belafonte is known for his recording of "The Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". He has recorded and performed in many genres, including blues, folk, gospel, show tunes, and American standards. Early on he has also starred in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) and the widely known and studied for its political relevance Buck and the Preacher (1972); a film he produced and starred in with Sir Sidney Poitier, the film’s director. His list of discographies, stage work, filmography, and television work, is extensive and covers the 1950’s to the current year of 2022.
Belafonte considered the actor, singer and activist Paul Robeson a mentor and was a close confidant of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. As he later recalled, "Paul Robeson had been my first great formative influence; you might say he gave me my backbone. Martin King was the second; he nourished my soul." Throughout his career, Belafonte has been an advocate for political and humanitarian causes, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and USA for Africa. Since 1987, he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He was a vocal critic of the policies of the George W. Bush presidential administrations. Belafonte acts as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.
Reginald T. Dorsey | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
American Film and Television Actor/Filmmaker Reginald T. Dorsey was born and raised in Dallas, Texas until he was 10 years old. His family then moved to San Jose, California where he was an outstanding student and High School athlete, excelling in football and track. However, the quest for him to act proved to be more powerful though than his athletic dreams. After attending an open call with his mother back in Dallas for extra work in the film "Book of Numbers," Filmmaker Raymond St. Jacques spotted the young 13-year-old and wrote a lead part for him in the film. The rest is history as they say and at 16 years old, he left home for Hollywood to pursue his calling as an actor and filmmaker. Now a veteran in the film and TV business his respect and passion for his craft is even greater after many years of sacrifice and dedication. His credits are extensive, "Miracle Of The Heart; A Boys Town Story," "21 Jump St.," "Booker," "Return To Lonesome Dove," Critically Acclaimed "South Central," "The Cherokee Kid" and the Award Winning "Kings Of The Evening," which he also produced are just a few from his body of work. A true "Texas Cowboy" his whole life, Reginald's other passions are raising horses, competing in rodeos, most notably The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and others where he has won Championships in Team Roping and Team Penning. His work with children and touching people’s lives in a meaningful way continues to be a source of inspiration for him as an artist and as a man, giving all the glory to God for his many blessings.
Anthony “Tony” Brubaker | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Anthony “Tony” Brubaker is a former Hollywood Stuntman, Stunt Coordinator and Actor. Standing at 6’3”, Brubaker had his first experience in the industry when he doubled Otis Young, in ABC Western “The Outcast”, the year was 1969 and it was a time when most cowboys were portrayed as white when, throughout the West there were large numbers of Black, Indigenous and cowboys of color in the real world. One of the many struggles that a stunt person of color encountered during the sixties was, instead of casting Black stuntmen, Hollywood directors hired white males and painted their faces to perform the stunts of Black actors. Tony was able to associate with a powerful organization, The Black Stuntmen’s Association (BSA) which was formed out of a necessity to break down these barriers and ultimately resulted in paving the way for many of today’s Black entertainers, in front of and behind the camera.
Tony was inducted into the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures in 1973, where he holds the title of Lifetime Member. Tony has had the pleasure of working with some of Hollywood’s greatest actors, writers, directors, and producers. Tony has worked in over 325 productions across the globe and done it all from crashing cars, motorcycle stunts, fire burns, fights, and high falls. One of his most memorable stunts, was from “Blown Away,” filmed in 1995 starting Tommy Lee Jones, Jeff Bridges and Forest Whitaker. Tony along with Vince Deadrick, Jr., held the world-record for largest film explosion for more than 20 years. The explosion, however, was anything but miniature, lasting for only 7.5 seconds, Tony and Vince ran across the bridge in the Boston Harbor before the explosion took out the entire bridge. Tony’s creativity, safe work practices, attention to detail and well-proven track record garner him the respect in the business of film and television; all the while never forgetting the responsibility, he held for paving the way for others.
Danny Glover | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Accomplished actor, producer, film director, political activist and humanitarian, Danny Glover (born Danny Lebern Glover) has been a commanding presence on the screen, stage, and television for more than thirty (30) years. As an actor his film credits range from the blockbuster Lethal Weapon franchise to smaller independent features, some of which Danny also produced.
Danny Glover was honored with the President’s Award for being a true inspiration who always uses his celebrity status to advance the cause of social justice and respect for a diverse society during the 49th NAACP Image Award, on January 15, 2018. The actor, who has spent decades involved with community and labor activism, advocating for economic justice and education, was honored for his work in film and TV. The “Color Purple” star continues to lend his celebrity to causes that matter, make an impact, spark social change, and create dialogue. Glover has portrayed a myriad of popular roles and has distinguished himself as one of his generation’s most consummate actors. Glover’s performances in such classic motion pictures as “Witness” and “Places in the Heart,” have not only displayed his talent and versatility but have also brought him critical and audience acclaim. Honored with Awards from the NAACP, BET and SAG.
Glover is a sought-after public speaker, delivering inspiring addresses and moving performances on social justice, diversity, activism, and global citizenship to audiences of diverse sizes and cultures at college campuses, business conventions and annual conferences. Drawing from expertise, Glover is able to contextualize contemporary issues, and offer practical wisdom to new generations on building peace, unity, and democracy across racial, ethnic, and gender lines. On March 25, 2022, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) honored Mr. Glover with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Governors Awards ceremony. Of the numerous prestigious accolades he has received, Glover also received nominations for four Primetime Emmy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a Daytime Emmy Award.
Sir Sidney Poitier | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee – Posthumous
Sir Sidney Poitier was Hollywood’s first major Black box office star, constantly blazing trails with film roles such as Dr. John Wade Prentice in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and Mark Thackeray in “To Sir, With Love,” as well as with his activism in the heart of the Civil Rights era. Sidney Poitier was born prematurely on February 20, 1927, in Miami, Florida, to Evelyn (née Outten) and Reginald James Poitier, Afro-Bahamian farmers. His birth in the United States entitled him to US citizenship. Poitier grew up on Cat Island, Bahamas where his parents owned a farm and returned as a teenager to the United States, where he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in a medical unit. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended the American Negro Theatre (ANT) in New York City. In 1946 he made his Broadway debut in Lysistrata.
Poitier’s first credited film role was Dr. Luther Brooks, a Black doctor who treats a bigoted white criminal, in “No Way Out” (1950). The movie established a significant pattern both for Poitier himself and for the Black actors who followed him; by refusing roles that played to racial stereotypes. After the western “Duel at Diablo” (1966), Poitier starred in a series of acclaimed films. In 1972 Poitier made his directorial debut with “Buck and the Preacher”, a western movie. Sidney Poitier, alongside actor-producer Harry Belafonte, helped rewrite the history of the western, bringing Black heroes to a genre in which they had always been sorely underrepresented. Throughout the 1970s, he directed mostly comedies, which culminated with his work with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor on 1980’s hugely successful “Stir Crazy”, (the first film by a Black director to gross more than $100 million at the box office). The Bahamian American actor, director, and producer broke the color barrier in the U.S. motion-picture industry by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor for “Lilies of the Field” (1963). His final role was in “The Last Brickmaker in America” (2001), a TV movie about a grieving widower whose job is becoming obsolete.
On Sidney Poitier, “…a man of great depth, a man of great social concern, a man who is dedicated to human rights and freedom.”…. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
